Vauxhall
6 minsNational Rail0.3 mi
south-western-railway
The Foundry
17 Oval Way, Greater London, SE11 5RR
Price from
Workspace type
Serviced
Character scoring
Productivity-led
72
Community-led
100
Hospitality-led
76
Innovation-led
60
Facilities
Auditorium
Outdoor space/roof terrace
Cafe on site
Events programme
Breakout area
Boardroom
Reception area
Kitchen
Shower onsite
Cycle rack
Access 24/7
Projector/display screen
Broadband/wifi
Disability access
About this space
The Foundry at 17 Oval Way is a RIBA award-winning, BREEAM 'Excellent' rated centre purpose-built for organisations driving social justice and human rights. Originally an industrial shoe polish factory, the building was transformed in 2014 into a beautifully light and spacious workplace, winning London Building of the Year at the Royal Institute of British Architects' awards. Born from a joint venture between Trust for London, Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, Barrow Cadbury Trust, Lankelly Chase Foundation and The Ethical Property Company, it remains a landmark for mission-driven work in the capital.
Community sits at the heart of The Foundry. Tenants work alongside like-minded organisations, sharing ideas, resources and connections across a vibrant calendar of events that serves both the internal community and the wider Vauxhall neighbourhood. This is a building where social impact is the shared purpose, not the exception.
Managed by The Ethical Property Company, a forward-thinking organisation that believes property should serve society, the planet and the economy, The Foundry offers flexible leases, meeting rooms free for workspace renters, conference facilities, and breakout space. The wider Ethical Property network spans 8 UK Cites but in London located in Bethnal Green, Islington, Vauxhall and Shoreditch, creating a London-wide community of positive change.
Vauxhall station provides genuine transport crossroads: Victoria line services, mainline rail, and extensive bus routes converge at one interchange. Proximity to Westminster and Lambeth civic institutions suits organisations bridging grassroots delivery and systemic change, particularly those working in housing, regeneration, environmental campaigning, and community development.
Fair rents, not maximum commercial returns, underpin the model, enabling charities, not-for-profits and social enterprises to maintain a professional central London presence. At The Foundry, policy influence and grassroots creativity converge naturally.
Auditor's Quote
The Foundry is not a serviced office; it is a place for change. A redeveloped former shoe factory with a BREEAM Excellent rating, home to charities, social enterprises and purpose-driven organisations. The wellness and community programme is one of the most extensive I have seen, from a gardening club and bee hives to a vegan community cafe and rooftop BBQs. The staff were outstanding and clearly proud of its impact on Vauxhall.
Transport links
Oval
7 minsUnderground0.3 mi
Northern
Vauxhall
7 minsUnderground0.4 mi
Victoria
Kennington
10 minsUnderground0.5 mi
Northern
Location
FAQ
What's distinctive about The Foundry as a building?
It's a beautifully redeveloped former shoe factory with a BREEAM Excellent sustainability rating, home to a community of charities, social enterprises and purpose-driven organisations, with positive affirmations and sustainability messaging woven throughout.
Where is it and how do I get there?
The Foundry is at 17 Oval Way in Vauxhall, close to Vauxhall Underground (Victoria line) and Vauxhall mainline station. There's no general on-site parking, though accessible bays are available outside the building by prebooking with reception.
Is the café open to non-members?
Yes. The Lovage Project, the on-site community café, is open to both members and the wider public, and provides freshly made vegan food along with catering for meetings.
What wellness and community facilities are on offer?
An exceptional range, including a gardening club, honey bees on site, a community food cage, a book swap, outdoor terraces for BBQs and client events for up to 70 people, and an active volunteering programme. Around 90% of the planting is edible.
What are the meeting and event spaces like?
Ground-floor meeting rooms in a range of sizes, equipped with flip charts, AV and video conferencing, plus a ground-floor event space that seats up to 70 people theatre-style. Meeting rooms nearest the event space can occasionally pick up ambient noise during busier periods.
Is there a central building directory?
No, there's no central directory board due to confidentiality, but wayfinding throughout is clear, with office numbers well signposted on every floor.
What are the bathroom and cycling facilities like?
Accessible toilets are described as particularly spacious and well-equipped. There's a secure bike rack in the gardens with coded entry, plus cycling lockers opposite the showers.
Can local residents use any of the building's facilities?
Yes, some communal features such as table football, the book swap, and certain meeting rooms are also open to the local residential community, not just building members.