Old Street is London's most established technology and startup district, and despite the constant predictions of decline that have followed it since the early 2010s, it remains one of the most in-demand office locations in the capital for digital, technology, and venture-backed businesses. The area around Old Street roundabout - and the broader corridor stretching towards Shoreditch to the south - has matured significantly over the last decade and now attracts scale-ups and established technology firms alongside early-stage companies. The label Silicon Roundabout is well-worn, but the commercial reality behind it is genuine.

Who locates in Old Street?

Old Street's core occupier base is technology-led — software businesses, fintech and insurtech firms, digital agencies, AI companies, and the professional services firms that support them. It is also one of London's stronger locations for businesses that are actively hiring from London's technology talent pool, given that the area's reputation is well understood by the people most likely to be attracted to it. Venture capital firms and accelerator programmes are well represented, and the ecosystem nature of the neighbourhood — where you are likely to encounter clients, hires, and investors in close proximity - is a genuine commercial advantage for the right kind of business.

Office space and operators in Old Street

Old Street has a varied and interesting office market, with converted warehouse and industrial buildings sitting alongside modern commercial developments. The area has a strong concentration of flex and serviced office operators, including WeWork, FORA, Mindspace, Huckletree, Work.Life, and a number of independent managed office providers with buildings in and around the EC1/EC2 border. Availability changes regularly and the market is competitive for well-specified private offices at the 10–30 person range.

Pricing typically ranges from £500–£900 per desk per month for quality serviced office space, with newer managed office stock at the higher end of that range.

Transport

Old Street station (Northern line) provides direct, fast access to the City, King's Cross, and London Bridge. Liverpool Street - with its Elizabeth line, Central line, and national rail connections - is a 10–12 minute walk to the south, significantly broadening the range of commuter routes available to staff. The area is extremely well-served for cycling, with multiple superhighway routes, and the network of bus connections along City Road is extensive. It is one of central London's most accessible locations by active travel.

What to expect day-to-day

Old Street's working environment is energetic, informal, and distinctly technology-flavoured. The neighbourhood's café culture is strong, with numerous independent coffee shops and co-working-adjacent venues throughout EC1. Shoreditch High Street and the surrounding area provide excellent options for client lunches, team events, and after-work activity. The area attracts people who value an active, urban working environment, and the density of like-minded businesses in close proximity creates a network effect that many occupiers find genuinely useful.

Is Old Street right for your business?

Old Street is the natural first choice for technology businesses, digital-first companies, and any firm that is actively competing for London's technology talent. The neighbourhood's identity is a meaningful recruitment asset for businesses in those sectors. It is less well-suited to businesses where a conservative or formal address matters - financial services firms serving institutional clients, for example, often find the area's character works against them. For the right kind of business, however, it is one of London's strongest commercial locations.

Speak to Scope Office Search

We work with businesses across Old Street and Tech City regularly, with access to serviced, managed, and leased options across all sizes and budgets. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation shortlist - with no fee to you at any stage.