Meanwhile Space

How to get started?

I'm interested in initial approaches for spaces that are lying empty. I've got my eye on a large factory space on the edge of Brighton for a project for next years Brighton festival. The space is empty and looks like a long term vacant site. However, it has obviously been squatted in the past, the baliffs notices are still attached (though fading), so I'm nervous of freaking out the owners.
What's the best way to start, who to contact, what to say?
Thanks for any input - let's have a general discussion about how to go about first contact!

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Permalink Reply by Popupspace.com on September 4, 2009 at 7:49am

Hey Ivan. You can find out who owns the property by searching for it at www.landregistry.gov.uk - it costs £4 I think to download the title, which should contain the owner's name & address.

It might be worth asking the Council, in case the property is Council-owned or in a development zone. You can also search planning applications on the Council's website, to see if any applications have been submitted in the last few years - you will be able to get the owner's (or owner's agent's) name from there.

I would then write an initial letter to the owner, giving details of what you want to use the building for, when and for how long. Also state what you can offer in terms of rent, refurbishment or other incentives.

I'm based in Brighton and know some of the local agents - if you want to send me the address I'll ask about for you regarding this property.
Rosie

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Permalink Reply by Dan Thompson on September 4, 2009 at 10:22am

Hi Ivan

Give me a call - I can let you see a draft of the Empty Shops Workbook which is packed full of tips, ideas and practical advice.

Dan

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Permalink Reply by CulturingStuff on September 4, 2009 at 3:37pm

Hi Dan & Ivan :)
is this draft of the Empty Shops Workbook available to all?

I wouldn't mind a few tips.

We're trying to do similar things here in Stoke on Trent. It seems almost impossible to get information from the correct council operative.

Cheers

maffi

www.culturingstuff.com

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Permalink Reply by Ivan Pope on September 5, 2009 at 5:47pm

Thanks, I'll swing past it next week and work out the proper address and any other details, then I'll take a look and drop you a line. Much appreciated.

Popupspace.com said:

Hey Ivan. You can find out who owns the property by searching for it at www.landregistry.gov.uk - it costs £4 I think to download the title, which should contain the owner's name & address.

It might be worth asking the Council, in case the property is Council-owned or in a development zone. You can also search planning applications on the Council's website, to see if any applications have been submitted in the last few years - you will be able to get the owner's (or owner's agent's) name from there.

I would then write an initial letter to the owner, giving details of what you want to use the building for, when and for how long. Also state what you can offer in terms of rent, refurbishment or other incentives.

I'm based in Brighton and know some of the local agents - if you want to send me the address I'll ask about for you regarding this property.
Rosie

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Permalink Reply by Ivan Pope on September 5, 2009 at 5:48pm

Dan, will give you a call this coming week. Sounds like a masterwork you're writing there, very excited.

Dan Thompson said:

Hi Ivan

Give me a call - I can let you see a draft of the Empty Shops Workbook which is packed full of tips, ideas and practical advice.

Dan

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Permalink Reply by Nikki Carr on September 7, 2009 at 10:38am

Dear All,

I am new to this myself, but have recently been recruited into a Town Centre Manager role. I am looking for ideas and best practice on the use of vacant units within the high street too. I am very keen to see a copy of this empty shops workbook if anyone could send me a link or such?

Kind Regards

Nikki

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Permalink Reply by Dan Thompson on September 8, 2009 at 5:35pm

We've been waiting for a few bits from the Meanwhile Project, but they're here - and the Empty Shops Workbook is nearly finished and will be launched online in a couple of weeks.

There will also be a body of evidence and some case studies made available through a-n The Artist's Information Company, on their website a-n.co.uk, in the next fortnight.

Email me to join the Empty Shops Network mailing list who'll be amongst the first to hear!

Nikki Carr said:

Dear All,

I am new to this myself, but have recently been recruited into a Town Centre Manager role. I am looking for ideas and best practice on the use of vacant units within the high street too. I am very keen to see a copy of this empty shops workbook if anyone could send me a link or such?

Kind Regards

Nikki

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Permalink Reply by Susanna Gibson on September 9, 2009 at 6:41pm

Hey Ivan and Rosie,
there is a group of us in Brighton that've met through slack space brighton - we are called compARTment - we are looking at a no of big sites and getting our plans together - so may be worth collaborating..

Susanna

Ivan Pope said:

Thanks, I'll swing past it next week and work out the proper address and any other details, then I'll take a look and drop you a line. Much appreciated.

Popupspace.com said:
Hey Ivan. You can find out who owns the property by searching for it at www.landregistry.gov.uk - it costs £4 I think to download the title, which should contain the owner's name & address.

It might be worth asking the Council, in case the property is Council-owned or in a development zone. You can also search planning applications on the Council's website, to see if any applications have been submitted in the last few years - you will be able to get the owner's (or owner's agent's) name from there.

I would then write an initial letter to the owner, giving details of what you want to use the building for, when and for how long. Also state what you can offer in terms of rent, refurbishment or other incentives.

I'm based in Brighton and know some of the local agents - if you want to send me the address I'll ask about for you regarding this property.
Rosie

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Permalink Reply by Ivan Pope on September 9, 2009 at 8:07pm

Certainly interested, esp. in what sites you are looking at. I'm ivan@ivanpope.com
Cheers,
Ivan

Susanna Gibson said:

Hey Ivan and Rosie,
there is a group of us in Brighton that've met through slack space brighton - we are called compARTment - we are looking at a no of big sites and getting our plans together - so may be worth collaborating..

Susanna

Ivan Pope said:
Thanks, I'll swing past it next week and work out the proper address and any other details, then I'll take a look and drop you a line. Much appreciated.

Popupspace.com said:
Hey Ivan. You can find out who owns the property by searching for it at www.landregistry.gov.uk - it costs £4 I think to download the title, which should contain the owner's name & address.

It might be worth asking the Council, in case the property is Council-owned or in a development zone. You can also search planning applications on the Council's website, to see if any applications have been submitted in the last few years - you will be able to get the owner's (or owner's agent's) name from there.

I would then write an initial letter to the owner, giving details of what you want to use the building for, when and for how long. Also state what you can offer in terms of rent, refurbishment or other incentives.

I'm based in Brighton and know some of the local agents - if you want to send me the address I'll ask about for you regarding this property.
Rosie

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Colin Thornton on September 11, 2009 at 1:01pm

Hi Dan & Ivan

I would also love to see a copy of this book... I presently fill what was an empty unit in a shopping centre but have increased footfall so well that I now must look for a new space since all the units will now be occupied dude to the success of artists filling the space.

thanks
Colin

Dan Thompson said:

Hi Ivan

Give me a call - I can let you see a draft of the Empty Shops Workbook which is packed full of tips, ideas and practical advice.

Dan

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by David Sparshott on September 23, 2009 at 2:35pm

Hi Dan,

I would be really interested in hearing when the Empty Shops Workbook is available. I'm looking to set up a gallery/studio/community workshop space in London and any advice would be a great help.

Dan Thompson said:

We've been waiting for a few bits from the Meanwhile Project, but they're here - and the Empty Shops Workbook is nearly finished and will be launched online in a couple of weeks.

There will also be a body of evidence and some case studies made available through a-n The Artist's Information Company, on their website a-n.co.uk, in the next fortnight.

Email me to join the Empty Shops Network mailing list who'll be amongst the first to hear!

Nikki Carr said:
Dear All,

I am new to this myself, but have recently been recruited into a Town Centre Manager role. I am looking for ideas and best practice on the use of vacant units within the high street too. I am very keen to see a copy of this empty shops workbook if anyone could send me a link or such?

Kind Regards

Nikki

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dan Thompson on October 5, 2009 at 5:51pm

Ivan - are you coming over to the Empty Shops Conference, 19th October in Worthing? Good place to meet lots of people who are running things, and a fair few who are hoping to start things up as well. Booking up fast, mind...