Other sought-after locations for studio space

Bristol

Most space comes ready to let though there may be some bargains ripe for refurbishment around the docks. Expect leases to run for three to five years.

Clifton: a popular area for creatives. It is north-west of the city centre, and has plenty of attractive period buildings but not much opportunity for space in need of refurbishment. Rents average 10 per sq ft.

Docks: well located by being adjacent to the city centre and with much potential for warehouse-style spaces and buildings to refurbish. Rents vary but average 10 per sq ft; also a suitable area to buy freeholds.

Leeds

Designers would ideally like to be seen in waterside buildings around the River Aire. Failing that, north Leeds is pretty popular and east Leeds is an area to watch.

The Calls/Sovereign St: overlooking the River Aire and home to the Design & Innovation Centre, space here is much in demand though there is not a great deal available. Most space is within redeveloped historic buildings and rents vary from 12-19 per sq ft.

North Leeds: space north of the city centre is more flexible and rents and rates are cheaper. There are plenty of older buildings with potential to refurbish. Bargains can be found for as little as 7 per sq ft but expect to pay 15 per sq ft for smarter space.

East Leeds: home to the recently-opened Royal Armouries Museum and tipped to become popular in the next few years. Run-down properties can be snapped up for 5 per sq ft.

Manchester

There are plenty of trendy areas to choose from in this buzzing city. Although the devastating bomb last year damaged central parts of town – not frequented by many designers – the re development of the centre is triggering regeneration of areas likely to attract design tenants.

Castlefields: south-west of the centre with plenty of converted warehouses and ideal studio space, but availability is becoming limited. Rents range from 10 to 12.50 per sq ft.

Canal Street/Piccadilly: fast becoming known as the “pink quarter” (location for the forthcoming gay shopping village) and keenly sought after by “arty” businesses. There is plenty of secondary office accommodation and opportunities for refurbishment. Rents average 10 per sq ft.

Between Piccadilly Gardens and Great Ancoats: the knock-on effects of the bomb have led to a mini-renaissance of this area, which has traditionally catered for the local rag trade. Some retailers have moved here while the redevelopment of the centre takes place and that has stimulated new interest. Space can be had for 5 to 7.50 per sq ft.

Edinburgh

The capital offers traditional office accommodation within its historic buildings, and plenty of warehouse-style space down at the docks.

West End: mostly older buildings; not much open-plan space available but the Melville Street/Melville Crescent area is popular among creatives. Expect to pay 10 to 12 per sq ft.

Leith: it is more than two miles away from the city centre, but nonetheless, the Leith docks have developed into a favourite among design groups. There are flexible spaces from ready to rent to bargains prime for refurbishment. Older buildings in need of attention can be had for 6 to 8 per sq ft, although 10 per sq ft is the going rate.

Glasgow

An industrial city with industrial warehouse accommodation all around its boundary. As the city gears up for its year of architecture and design in 1999, the demand for space is rising.

Park Circus: the park area of Glasgow, one mile from the centre of town, is turning into a ghetto of architects and designers. There are stunning Georgian town houses, although spaces tend to be small. Rents around 12 to 13 per sq ft.

Merchant City: the old part of the city centre. Very salubrious but properties hard to get hold of as the area is predominantly residential. Rents average 12 per sq ft.

Former industrial units with refurbishment potential can be had throughout the city.