He said they should be better utilised and be offered with temporary contracts to community groups, small businesses or creatives, to occupy with the understanding that they will eventually vacate.
Cr Ishac said there were many sites sitting idle, waiting to be leased, sold or developed, creating inactive gaps in our main streets and centres and “leaving blank spaces waiting for the next opportunity, waiting for something to happen”.
At his request, the council is now investigating opportunities to allow for ‘meanwhile use’ for affordable retail and commercial spaces in town centres and write to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces to investigate enabling state-wide policy.
Cr Ishac said it’s a “practical approach” and one that “isn’t far-fetched” with similar schemes already implemented in London and Newcastle.
He said that in London, ‘meanwhile use’ has served as a stepping stone not only for artists but also for textile designers, carpenters, tech start-ups, charities and even kombucha brewers, while the ‘Renew Newcastle’ initiative, demonstrates how activating vacant shop fronts can transform the vibrancy and attractiveness of city centres.
“As a council, we should explore how our planning controls and strategic plans can support similar initiatives,” he said.
“By reducing red tape, we can encourage landowners and potential businesses, artists, and creatives to utilise these spaces effectively.”
‘Meanwhile space’ better than local shops, offices left empty
EMPTY shops and commercial spaces are wasted opportunities, according to Councillor Charlie Ishac.
