12 Reasons to Rent Office Space in Waterloo

Situated in Southeast London, Waterloo offers an unbeatable mix of connectivity, culture and commercial opportunity for businesses. With a great range of office spaces, and a thriving business community, it’s an exciting location for companies looking to establish or expand their presence.

Having helped many small to medium-sized businesses find space in this area, we know firsthand the value of flexible, good-value office space. But what makes Waterloo such a great choice? Here are 12 compelling reasons why setting up here could be the right move for your business.

1. Unrivalled Transport Connections

Waterloo is one of the most well-connected areas in London, making it an ideal location for businesses that require easy access to their employees, clients, and partners.

Waterloo Station is one of the busiest transport hubs in the UK, with National Rail services covering much of the South of England and four London Underground lines (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City).

Beyond Waterloo Station, the area is also well-served by bus routes, cycle lanes, and pedestrian-friendly pathways, making commuting easy. This level of accessibility makes it easier for businesses to attract talent and ensures seamless travel for all stakeholders.

2. Local Amenities

Waterloo offers a vast range of amenities, including restaurants, cafés, gyms, and green spaces. Whether your team needs a lunchtime meeting spot or a fitness studio nearby, the area is packed with conveniences that enhance the work environment.

Some of our favourite local spots include The Cut Bar for after-work drinks and Lower Marsh Market for quick and tasty street food options. Green spaces like Jubilee Gardens and Millennium Green provide the perfect retreat for lunch breaks or walking meetings, ensuring a healthy work-life balance for employees.

3. Prime Location for Business Growth

Situated just across the river from the City of London, Waterloo places businesses in a strategic location that balances proximity to major financial and corporate districts while offering a more vibrant and diverse professional environment.

The area is home to a growing number of startups, creative studios, and professional service firms, creating a thriving business hub where networking and collaboration opportunities are plentiful.

Being in an area where other ambitious enterprises thrive can be invaluable for growing businesses. No matter the size of your business or the sector you operate within, Waterloo provides an exciting backdrop for success.

4. Unique and Versatile Arch Spaces

For businesses looking for distinctive office spaces, our railway arches provide a truly unique setting. These spaces combine character, functionality, and excellent value, making them an ideal choice for companies wanting something different from conventional office environments.

With flexible layouts, modern specifications, and prime locations, our arch spaces allow businesses to establish a strong presence in Waterloo while benefiting from a dynamic and creative setting. Whether you need an open-plan workspace, a private office, or a collaborative environment, our arches offer a bespoke solution tailored to support business growth in the heart of London.

5. Thriving Cultural Scene

Waterloo’s cultural appeal is a major draw for businesses looking to locate in a vibrant area. The Southbank Centre, National Theatre, and BFI Southbank offer world-class entertainment, while The Cut and Lower Marsh provide independent shops, cafés, and restaurants that create a lively and engaging atmosphere.

Plus, Borough Market is just a 20-minute walk away, adding another draw for businesses looking to take advantage of the bustling atmosphere.

6. Competitive Rental Value

While central London spaces can come with high costs, Waterloo provides a balance of value and location. Our railway arch properties offer an excellent opportunity for businesses to secure high-quality workspace at competitive rates.

These spaces allow businesses to benefit from a central London address without the excessive price tag often associated with nearby locations. This makes Waterloo particularly attractive for growing businesses looking to establish themselves in a prestigious area without compromising on budget.

7. Access to a Skilled Workforce

London boasts a vast talent pool, and Waterloo’s exceptional connectivity makes it easy for businesses to attract and retain top professionals. With a rich mix of creative, tech, and professional expertise in the area, companies benefit from a diverse and highly skilled workforce.

The presence of leading universities nearby, including King’s College London (Waterloo Campus), BPP University, and London South Bank University, also ensures a steady stream of graduates and emerging talent. This strong academic presence provides businesses with access to fresh ideas, innovation, and a skilled labour force ready to drive growth.

8. Supportive Business Community

Waterloo is home to a thriving business ecosystem, supported by organisations like We Are Waterloo, the area's Business Improvement District (BID). This initiative plays a vital role in enhancing public spaces, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing invaluable marketing and operational support to SMEs.

With thousands of small to medium-sized businesses calling Waterloo home, the area fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration. Whether through local initiatives, business partnerships, or networking events, companies here benefit from an environment designed to help them grow and succeed.

9. Flexible Lease Terms

One of the key benefits of renting office space in Waterloo is the flexibility available to businesses. Traditional commercial leases often require long-term commitments, which may not suit companies looking for agility.

At The Arch Company, we offer flexible lease options that allow businesses to scale up or down as needed, ensuring their workspace evolves alongside them. This adaptability is especially valuable for companies wanting to establish themselves in a prime London location while keeping commitments manageable.

10. Networking and Collaboration Opportunities

The presence of innovative startups, established firms, and creative agencies makes Waterloo a great place to build connections. Numerous business organisations and initiatives actively support networking opportunities, helping to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among local enterprises.

Regular industry meetups, networking events, and professional forums provide businesses valuable opportunities to engage with like-minded professionals, exchange insights, and explore potential partnerships that drive growth.

11. Sustainability Initiatives

In recent years, Waterloo has made significant strides in sustainability, with eco-friendly developments, green energy initiatives, and excellent transport links that encourage cycling and public transport use.

Ongoing projects, such as the award-winning Waterloo Station Masterplan, further demonstrate the area’s commitment to sustainable urban development—enhancing connectivity, public spaces, and green infrastructure to create a more environmentally conscious business hub.

12. Exciting Future Developments

With ongoing regeneration projects and infrastructure improvements, Waterloo is set to become an even more attractive business location in the coming years.

Just one example of this is our Wootton Street arch spaces, currently undergoing a £2.8m refurbishment. In the heart of Waterloo, this project is transforming these spaces into high-spec office units, offering modern, flexible workspaces designed to support innovative and professional businesses.

These spaces provide an excellent environment for growth and collaboration in a highly sought-after location. Explore our Wootton Street offices and see how they could be the perfect fit for your business.

Explore our Waterloo Office Spaces

If you’re considering renting space in Waterloo, our railway arches provide unique and functional workspaces tailored to businesses of all sizes.

To explore our available office spaces and learn more about what Waterloo has to offer, visit our Waterloo location guide or reach out to our team today. We’d be happy to help you find the perfect space to support your business growth.