A Guide to Office Space in London, Ontario

Both startups and established companies explore office space for rent in London, Ontario. Many of these workspaces are affordable compared to those in other cities, which is one of many reasons to choose London as your office location.

Setting up or expanding a company in London comes with many benefits. From its supportive business community to its prosperous ecosystem, the city is a great place to scale a venture.

If you’re looking to scale a business in Canada, London could prove the ideal city. Here’s all the information you need to choose the right office space for your organization.

Geography of London, Ontario

London is the largest city in southwestern Ontario and the sixth-largest in the province. It’s also the 10th-largest city in Canada.

What’s more, London offers a well-connected location. It’s within a two-and-a-half-hour drive of Toronto, Detroit, Hamilton, and Buffalo. As such, London is well-positioned for business opportunities across Canada and into the U.S.

Key business areas in London, Ontario

Choosing the ideal location for your office space in London, Ontario is essential to your business growth. These districts could be contenders for your company:

• Downtown: This area is both London’s business center and entertainment district. Many creative, finance, tech, law, and communications organizations are set up here. Getting around is also easy, with the London Transit Commission running several buses that connect Downtown with wider London.
• Byron: This community-focused neighborhood teams quiet residential streets with a buzzing commercial area. Just a 10-minute drive from Downtown, the district houses several banks and offices. The 05 and 17 buses connect Byron with other key London areas.
• Masonville: Located near Western University, this district positions companies amidst high-level talent. Masonville Place Mall sits at the heart of this commercial area, which is popular with retail businesses. The 13, 16, and 25 buses all pass through the area.

When exploring office space for rent in London, Ontario, you’ll find the city’s neighborhoods each bring something unique to your business.

5 businesses based in London, Ontario

London is brimming with successful startups and established companies. Five of the most prominent include:

• London Health Sciences Centre: This hospital network is one of Canada’s largest acute-care teaching hospitals
• General Dynamics Land Systems: This global defense industry leader provides land and amphibious combat vehicle solutions
• The Canada Life Assurance Company: This insurance provider offers various forms of health and life insurance, as well as workplace benefits
• 3M Canada: This manufacturer employs state-of-the-art technologies to construct solutions for domestic and business use
• Nestlé Canada Inc: This food and beverage company, the largest in the world, completed a 26,600-square-foot expansion of its London plant in 2023

By securing a commercial property for lease in London, Ontario, you can position your business among big-name companies like these.

Why you should rent office space in London, Ontario

It’s important not to confuse London, Ontario with London, England. This city may not be quite as well-known as England’s capital, but it is one of the 10 fastest-growing cities in Ontario.

London accommodates more than 400,000 people and over 550,000 in the census metropolitan area. While the city comes with all the benefits of a big city, it also enjoys a small-town atmosphere.

Here are seven reasons to choose one of the office spaces for rent in London, Ontario.

1. Supportive business community

Entrepreneurs in London become part of the city’s supportive business community. A strong Chamber of Commerce connects this community and advocates for companies in the city.

Several associations also contribute to the business community. The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) sits at the forefront of these associations.

This non-profit organization supports businesses by nurturing local growth, attracting new companies, and connecting businesses to essential resources and talent. They offer free development services, promote London internationally, and foster a network of supportive partnerships.

Having an office for rent in London, Ontario can enable your company to benefit from organizations like LEDC that grow the local business community.

2. Diverse economy

London's strategic location near the U.S. border, combined with its rich agricultural resources and diverse range of thriving sectors, fuels a booming economy. The key industries driving this commercial success include digital media, manufacturing, technology, and professional services.

This diverse economic landscape offers ample opportunities for businesses seeking a strategic home. With plenty of office space for rent in London, Ontario, your business can soon tap into this flourishing economy.

3. Geographic competitive advantage

London sits at the forks of the Thames River, acting as a trade hub that serves the whole country. The city lies at the midway point between Lakes Huron, Erie, Ontario, and Saint Clair.

London also enjoys a well-connected position on Ontario Highway 401. This route provides access to 150 million consumers within a one-day drive, setting the city up for trade across Canada. Beyond this, the location also provides easy access to business opportunities across the East Coast and Midwest of the U.S.

4. Affordability

London offers a significant cost advantage for businesses seeking affordable workspaces. Compared to major Canadian hubs like Vancouver and Toronto, office space rental prices in London are notably lower.

Like its affordable business costs, London’s cost of living is low too. Data has shown that the cost of living in London can reach up to 24% lower than in Toronto.

When you lease an office space for rent in London, Ontario, you can benefit from the city’s affordability and free up resources for growth and reinvestment.

5. Advanced manufacturing hub

Of London’s various lucrative sectors, advanced manufacturing is arguably the strongest. Over 34,300 employees and 500 companies make up this sector. The industry represents around 12% of all employment in the city.

This robust industry is fueled by innovation. Its local manufacturers transformed production processes through automation, robotics, and cutting-edge technologies.

The city's skilled workforce provides a further draw for businesses seeking a manufacturing hub. This workforce specializes in areas like engineering, electrical manufacturing, and quality assurance, offering essential expertise for the sector’s success.

Many companies in the manufacturing space are exploring commercial office space for rent in London, Ontario. Establishing your business in a workspace here can set your business up for success in this manufacturing-centric city.

6. Educated workforce

London is home to two outstanding universities: Western University and Fanshawe College. Western University ranks among the top 1% of higher education institutions in the world. Its 34,917 students include around 4,700 international students who come to London from all over the globe to pursue their studies.

Fanshawe offers over 200 degrees and certificates, diplomas, and apprenticeship programs. More than 43,000 students study at the college, qualifying in fields like technology, business, and healthcare.

Outside these two elite universities, London also hosts several community colleges. These include St Peter’s Seminary, Westervelt College, Medix College, and triOS College.

Thanks to these universities and colleges, London enjoys a highly educated workforce. The city cultivates a high level of research and innovation, which proves invaluable to companies.

With an office space for rent in London, Ontario you will have ready access to the city’s range of academic talent.

7. Travelling for business in London, Ontario

Traveling for business is easy in London. Those who enjoy making the most of the local scenery can cycle through the city’s extensive bike routes. Others prefer the LTC’s bus services, which include paratransit services for those who require mobility assistance.

In 2021, London began its construction of the Downtown Loop, a rapid transit route that runs through the city center. The route allows bus travel through Queens Avenue, King Street, Ridout Street North, and Wellington Street.

For those looking to travel further afield, trains depart London Station to cities like Toronto, Sarnia, and Windsor. GO Transit also offers daily transportation to the Greater Toronto Area.

For more extensive business travel, there’s the London International Airport. This airport accommodates those taking both domestic and international flights.

How much is it to rent office space in London, Ontario?

Regus office spaces for rent in London, Ontario are cost-effective compared to many other providers. Standard and premium options start at CAD 239 per person per month over a 24-month contract.

These workspaces are more affordable than workspaces in some of Canada’s other prime business cities. For example, our Montreal offices start at CAD 295 per person per month. Our Vancouver offices start at CAD 365 per person per month.

Companies can save even more on London office costs with our flexible contracts. These contracts enable businesses to rent office space in the way that best suits them, whether by the hour or year.

Businesses can also save by renting one of our small office spaces for rent in London, Ontario. Aside from supporting small businesses, these workspaces suit larger companies with hybrid structures.

Office space for rent in London, ON

When exploring office space for rent in London, Ontario, Regus offices include everything you need to work your way. Whether you need a meeting room with tech equipment, a private office, or coworking spaces in a shared office, these centers offer it all.

1. 201 Queens Ave

201 Queens Ave is an excellent solution for businesses exploring office space for lease in London, Ontario. Professionals have everything they need to work productively in these bright, open-plan workspaces. They also receive support from the friendly reception team whenever they need it.

The office center has plenty of meeting rooms available for hire, perfect for hosting events, team updates, and client chats. Each is fully outfitted with comfortable furniture, videoconferencing technology, and presentation equipment.

The local area is full of cafés and restaurants, which are perfect for lunch breaks or post-work dinners and for hosting clients.

Highlights include:

• Break-out areas
• Meeting rooms
• On-site parking

Information about 201 Queens Ave

• Location: 201 Queens Ave, London, ON, N6A 1J1
• Starting costs: Prices available upon request
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: London Train Station (a seven-minute walk away), Dundas at Wellington WB Bus Stop (a five-minute walk away), and Wellington South of Dundas St NB Bus Stop (a six-minute walk away)

2. 380 Wellington Street

Those considering office space for rent in London, Ontario need look no further than 380 Wellington Street. Located halfway between Toronto and Detroit, this office is easy to access from both commercial centers.

The modern workspaces offer inspiring 360-degree views of Downtown London. This business district is a nest for companies in the finance, law, technology, and communications industries.

After work, professionals can walk into this district to explore the plethora of shops and restaurants. There’s also an upmarket hotel on the doorstep, ideal for clients who need to stay in the area.

Highlights include:

• Business lounge
• Vending machines
• Secure underground parking

Information about 380 Wellington Street

• Location: 380 Wellington Street, London, ON, N6A 5B5
• Starting costs: From CAD 239 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: London Train Station (a seven-minute walk away), Wellington South of Dundas St NB Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away), Wellington North of Dundas St NB Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away)

Explore office space in London, Ontario with Regus

When you’re choosing between the office spaces for rent in London, Ontario, Regus can help. Inquire today to get advice on which workplace solution is best for your needs.

You might benefit from a private office, which would provide a space just for your company. Or consider a more flexible approach with our shared offices, which offer both dedicated desks and hot desks.

When it comes to hosting stakeholder meetings and interviews, our meeting rooms include everything you need to host a productive visit.