It’s interesting how often a single empty building or a small number of them feel like they hold the key to the future for a whole town or city centre, even when they’re only one or a few out of a hundred or more.
It’s one of the (many) reasons why we urge #TheVacantShopsAcademy locations to get a ‘place partnership’ in play to work together on tackling whatever issues are causing vacancy, and play the part they can in guiding new uses.
It means existing businesses, community, cultural organisations, council(s), chamber, BID where there is one getting involved in the conversation and maybe even contributing in a practical way…
What might the building be used for…?
- we as a ‘place’ can ask what’s missing in our offer and would add to the mix, then help identify and attract potential candidate occupiers;
- would splitting it up help. Maybe separate uses on upper floors or dividing the ground into smaller units or both…?
- planning, conservation and building control teams with architects and developers could do some pre-work on the possibilities. Is there a grant scheme to help fund any works required;
Is there a way to have it look the best it can while this process plays out…?
- Is the ‘place’ up for facilitating a #popupshop initiative or vinyling.
You may find when you check that the unit is already under offer with a would-be occupier or that an architect is readying re-purposing plans. It may tho be proving tricky to let and the #property agent and landlord welcome your ‘place partnership’ input. But if you don’t ask…
It’d be great to hear how your place is getting involved…
We’ve chosen as an illustration prominent buildings from recent out & abouts, tho of course they may or might not match this conversation. But there’s no shortage of locations with examples that do.
