Rent a studio
The best studio space in Manchester is in Salford
Tapping into a rich vein of creative talent, Islington Mill is a hub of collaboration, support and expertise. Our studios are home to designers, makers, musicians, artists, filmmakers and a host of small creative businesses; our vibrant community is formed around unparalleled ecology of curious people and creative space coalescing around collaboration and experimental events.
Islington Mill is home to 50 small businesses and more than 100 artists. Over the last 15 years we’ve supported more than 5,000 artists from 35 different countries. More than 15,000 people visit the building every year. Some stay for an evening, some make it their home for several years.
The Mill sits between the University of Salford and Manchester city centre, straddling the two cities; simultaneously the heart of Salford’s creative community, and a ten minute walk along Chapel Street to Manchester city centre.
Our studio spaces are situated across the upper floors of the main converted Victorian mill; an imposing red brick building constructed around a cobbled central courtyard.
If you’re interested in a space please add your name to our waiting list by clicking on ‘Apply for a studio’ above. There you will be invited to tell us a bit about yourself, your practice, and how you intend to be using the space (visual art, music, etc.)
If you have any questions please contact us.
Types of Studios
Islington Mill is made up of several buildings — the original Mill, New Islington Mill, and Unit 4 — each with a distinct character and suited to different types of creative practice. Our tiered pricing reflects the nature, size, facilities, and location helping us keep spaces accessible to a wide range of artists.
All studios are self-contained, with lockable fire doors and access to shared kitchens, bathrooms and amenities across the site. Both Islington Mill and New Islington Mill now have lifts for step-free access, and recent works have preserved much of the original heritage character of the buildings.
Islington Mill
- Small: 94–140 sq ft starting at £170 per month
- Medium: 153–237 sq ft starting at £257 per month
- Large: 346–397 sq ft starting at £537 per month
New Islington Mill
Highest spec studios renovated throughout with improved wall and floor insulation and more options for music/sound production.
- 1st Floor: 194–290 sq ft starting at £467 per month — ideal for music and sound production
- 2nd Floor courtyard facing: 97–130 sq ft starting at £274 per month — quieter, still suited for music production, visual art, design, and creative office use
- 2nd floor skylight spaces, bathed in light all year round: 118–372 sq ft starting at £345 per month
Unit 4
A vibrant maker-focused area with custom-built spaces within a sizeable warehouse.
- 124–372 sq ft (£147–£372 per month)
Licence agreement terms
- Flexible month-to-month rolling licence (no minimum term)
- One month’s notice required (before the 1st of the month you wish to leave)
- One month’s rent and one month’s deposit required upfront
- Studio shares welcome — one lead licence holder must take responsibility for the space
- All utilities included (electricity, water, waste removal, Wi-Fi, buildings insurance). Electricity is metered separately for New Islington Mill studios
- Rent is payable monthly on the 1st by direct debit