Businesses need a venue that adapts to varied demands and offers robust technical requirements. The Business Design Centre in Islington (near King’s Cross St Pancras International) merges historic charm with advanced facilities.
As a self-storage business in the area, we know the value of this centre firsthand. This article highlights how your business can harness its potential for conferences, exhibitions, and more.
Let's dive in!
Table of contents
- Key takeaways
- How do I get to the Business Design Centre?
- Historical overview
- Venue capabilities
- Business ecosystem
- Location advantages
- Practical information
- Venue capacities
- Technical requirements
- Tips for a great BDC experience
- Local business storage solutions
Key takeaways
Versatile event spaces – Located in the heart of London, the Business Design Centre offers a variety of spaces, from spacious exhibition halls to modern meeting rooms, catering to events of all sizes, including conferences with up to 2,500 attendees.
Rich history, modern facilities – Housed in a stunning former London railway station, the BDC blends historical charm with cutting-edge facilities, making it an ideal conference centre for various professional events.
Great location – Situated in Islington, a vibrant part of London, the centre is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and local attractions, perfect for attendees to explore before or after their events.
Sustainability focus – Like HOLD, the BDC is fully Committed to sustainability. It maintains eco-friendly practices, making it a top choice for businesses looking for an environmentally conscious venue in London.
How do I get to the business design center?
- By Tube: The closest underground station is Angel Station on the Northern Line (Bank Branch). It’s about a 10-minute walk to the venue from there.
- By Bus: Several bus routes serve the area, including routes 4, 19, 30, 73, and 271. These routes offer good connections to the venue.
- By Overground: Highbury & Islington Station is another nearby station on the Overground. It’s about a 15-minute walk to the Business Design Centre.
- By Car: Parking is available near the venue, though availability can vary depending on the time of day. It’s best to check ahead for local parking details.
- From Oxford Circus: If you’re travelling from Oxford Circus, take the Victoria Line towards Brixton and get off at Highbury & Islington, then walk to the venue.
Plan your route at TRANSPORT FOR LONDON
Historical overview
Originally established in the 19th century as the Royal Agricultural Hall, this impressive building became known for large-scale exhibitions of livestock and machinery.
Over time, it transitioned into the Business Design Centre, preserving iconic architectural elements like its grand roof and mezzanine, all while integrating modern upgrades to meet the demands of exhibition and corporate events.
Venue capabilities
Event spaces
The Business Design Centre provides ample exhibition space across its Ground Floor, Gallery Hall, and upper Mezzanine. Organisers can display everything from product launches to industry showcases, making it a top choice among exhibition venues.
With on-site support and suppliers nearby, companies can set up stands, demonstration areas, and more without hassle.
Conference facilities
Functioning as London's top conference centre, the BDC hosts conferences of all sizes and caters to people from different industries. Auditorium seating, breakout rooms, and integrated screen setups ensure each event runs smoothly.
Its flexible spaces and modern equipment make it a popular conference spot in Central London.
Exhibition areas
As one of London’s premier exhibition venues, the centre can accommodate large crowds and multiple stands simultaneously.
Being a short walk from Angel Station, with easy access to King’s Cross St. Pancras International, allows national and international visitors to arrive conveniently.
This creates a dynamic environment where companies can host trade fairs, product expos, and B2B meetings.
Business ecosystem
Types of events hosted
From tech showcases to fashion fairs, the Business Design Centre is renowned across London for exhibition events, conferences, and networking sessions. Companies across tech, retail, and service sectors all come here to share new ideas and cultivate partnerships.
This diverse site fosters collaboration, making it easy to explore potential relationships with suppliers and organisers from around the world.
Networking opportunities
Due to its central location in Islington, the Business Design Centre draws a variety of professionals looking to expand their networks.
Attendees can benefit from the bustling local area for after-event gatherings in restaurants and bars. This ecosystem encourages deeper connections and offers insight into emerging industry trends.
Business support services
The centre’s team can provide support with catering, logistics, and technical requirements. Companies also gain access to on-site facilities like printing and external specialists for stand design or marketing materials.
Plus, the local business community in Islington is thriving, offering further expertise and solutions for event success.
Location advantages
Islington's business landscape
Located in the heart of the City and Central London, Islington is known for its entrepreneurial vibe and properties for sale that suit different budgets.
It’s a living district full of commercial opportunities, creative agencies, and corporate offices. This synergy makes it an ideal area for business development.
Surrounding amenities
Restaurants, hotels, and cultural attractions abound in Islington. There are plenty of options for evening entertainment and dining, useful for organisers wanting to engage guests outside the venue.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a formal dinner, the local scene provides convenient solutions for different tastes.
Accessibility
Because it’s in the Congestion Charge Zone, visitors may want to use public transport or nearby car parks for driving. The centre itself is outfitted with ramps, lifts, and wheelchair-friendly paths.
Getting to ExCeL London for additional events is also feasible with a tube change, making the Business Design Centre an all-around convenient solution.
Practical information
Visitor details
- Opening hours – The Business Design Centre is generally open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 5pm at weekends. During events, hours may vary, so check the organiser’s schedule or the Events Calendar for specifics.
- On-site amenities – You’ll find coffee stands, cafés, and a variety of bars and restaurants nearby. Free Wi-Fi is available in the communal areas. For official events, the organiser often arranges dedicated Wi-Fi access.
- Parking – An on-site car park (250 spaces) is available, though consider the Congestion Charge Zone. Using public transport from Angel Tube Station or King’s Cross St Pancras International is recommended.
- Accessibility – The venue is fully DDA compliant with level or ramped access throughout. Lifts operate to every floor, and accessible toilets are provided.
Booking procedures and securing a post
Booking event space
To book a multi purpose space for conferences or exhibitions, visit the Business Design Centre website. You can check availability, discuss technical requirements, and view floorplans. Payment of a deposit and confirmation of dates usually finalise the reservation.
Office/showroom space
If you’re interested in leasing office space or a showroom, contact the centre directly through its contact page. The team can arrange tours to help you identify the right space for your business.
Career opportunities
If you’d like to join the Business Design Centre team, check the “Join the Team” or “Careers” section on their website.
Current vacancies and application details are available there, and motivated individuals can submit CVs for roles like event coordination or customer service.
Venue capacities
The Gallery Hall, Auditorium, and various meeting rooms provide a range of capacity options for both intimate and large-scale events.
The building is equipped to accommodate corporate gatherings, product debuts, and conferences requiring more extensive space.
On the ground floor, organisers can set up stands or interactive demos with ease.
Technical requirements
The venue is Corp Certified, ensuring advanced A/V support, lighting setups, and internet connectivity. The centre's operational team can coordinate everything if your event needs a screen or specialised stage rigging.
If space gets tight for additional gear storage on site, consider offloading it to HOLD Self Storage.
6 Tips to ensure a great BDC experience
1. The Business Design Centre is just a 5-minute walk from Angel Station (Northern Line) and is accessible via Highbury & Islington, King’s Cross St Pancras, and various bus routes.
2. Its in-house catering partner, The Good Eating Company, recommends finalising catering details at least 21 days in advance.
3. The BDC offers comprehensive A/V and lighting support. For a seamless setup, be sure to coordinate with the technical team ahead of time.
4. Islington has a variety of nearby cafés, bars, and restaurants, perfect for quick meals or post-event relaxation.
5. Review the events calendar to avoid busy periods and plan your event accordingly.
6. The BDC has a strong sustainability focus, so plan for eco-friendly options wherever possible.
Contact the Business Design Centre today to see how they can supercharge your nex London event.
This article is for information purposes only and was accurate at the time of publishing (08/04/25). Images were sourced from the Business Design Centre's official website
Hosting an event? HOLD has storage space to help
After exploring or hosting an event near the Business Design Centre, you might find yourself with leftover materials, extra purchases from local shops, or personal belongings that need a safe place. That’s where HOLD comes in – we’re a next-gen storage service by Londoners, for Londoners.
Located just a short walk from Islington, we offer tailored storage solutions for both businesses and individuals. Choose from our wide range of storage units with no fixed contracts, and enjoy a stress-free experience from start to finish. You can also check out our online box shop for any packing supplies you might need.
Get a free quote today and get 50% off for the first 8 weeks, and a price match within 3 miles.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I park for an event?
The Business Design Centre is in the Congestion Charge Zone, with limited parking on site. Public transport from Angel Station or King’s Cross St Pancras International is recommended for a smoother journey.
Is the venue suitable for large-scale corporate conferences?
Absolutely. With spaces like the Auditorium and Gallery Hall, the Business Design Centre can handle big events. Its technical requirements and on site support make it a top choice in Central London.
How can HOLD help with last-minute exhibition needs?
Our team can facilitate rapid drop-offs or pick-ups close to the centre. We can also assist with any excess items to ensure you’re always prepared for your next event or exhibition.
Can I store delicate promotional materials with HOLD?
Certainly. Our units are climate-secure to protect items from damage. You can also buy additional boxes and packaging from our box shop for added safety.
What if I only need short-term storage?
We’re flexible. Whether it’s for a few days or a few weeks, we adapt to your schedule. Our goal is to provide a convenient solution that fits your business requirements.
