In cities as dynamic as London, architecture is not just about buildings—it’s about the communities they serve. The King's Cross Community Offer competition, launched in partnership between King’s Cross and NLA, sought to do just that: repurpose an existing space to foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Today, the winning project, FishTank, stands as a testament to the power of design competitions in shaping long-lasting, meaningful urban change.

In 2022, the open call invited individuals, community groups, and organisations to propose innovative uses for a two-storey premises on Beaconsfield Street. The challenge was to envision a community-driven hub that would contribute to the fabric of King’s Cross. From over 50 submissions, FishTank emerged as the winning concept, offering a transformative space dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs and creatives.

Founded by Stephen Griffith in 2019, FishTank provides training programmes, coaching, and mentoring for 18-to-30-year-olds looking to develop their own businesses or creative ventures. Having previously operated in collaboration with King’s Cross occupier Havas, FishTank was primed to take the next step with a dedicated, permanent space.

On 9 May 2024, FishTank officially opened its doors, bringing the vision of the competition to life. The 1,200 sq ft space has been carefully designed to support the needs of young creatives and entrepreneurs. The ground floor now serves as a working gallery, showcasing the work of emerging talents who have collaborated with the wider King’s Cross creative community. The first floor functions as a content creation and editing suite, alongside an open workshop space designed for networking, skill-sharing, and collaborative working.

More than just a physical space, FishTank is a catalyst for opportunity. The hub will host a rolling programme of resident creatives, helping them gain access to business advice, funding opportunities, and professional networks that can transform fledgling ideas into thriving enterprises.

The impact of the King’s Cross Community Offer competition extends far beyond the moment of selection. By providing a long-term home for FishTank, the initiative has embedded a space for grassroots innovation into the heart of King’s Cross. This is a living example of how competitions can be a launchpad for social enterprises, ensuring that underutilised urban spaces are reimagined to serve local communities.

The judging panel—comprising figures from local government, design, and business—recognised FishTank’s potential to uplift young people who have yet to fully benefit from the transformation of King’s Cross. As Anthea Harries, Asset Management Director at King’s Cross, put it: “There were many synergies between King’s Cross and FishTank, making them the clear winner. After a rigorous judging process and a complex fit-out, we are delighted to finally welcome FishTank to its new permanent premises.”

Rosa Rogina of NLA's Collaborate, added: “FishTank exemplifies how design competitions can drive meaningful change. By providing young entrepreneurs with a dedicated space to experiment, collaborate, and thrive, this initiative highlights the importance of thoughtful urban development that prioritises social impact. We’re proud to have played a role in bringing this vision to life.”

The space was designed by Material Cultures, whose approach focuses on sustainable, low-carbon architecture that fosters community and creativity.

The success of FishTank serves as a compelling case study for how competitions can create lasting community impact. It demonstrates that when placemaking efforts prioritise social value alongside architectural excellence, they foster spaces that continue to evolve and benefit the people who use them.

As we look to the future of city-making, the story of FishTank underscores an essential truth: thoughtful competitions don’t just find new occupiers for spaces—they cultivate new opportunities, new futures, and new ways of inhabiting our cities.