There has already been a few discussions on HOL with the idea of using empty retail space, for community use, artists etc.
The government (DCLG) have a number of initiatives to help those interested. See
here.
Scroll down to the points made under
'Note to Editors'.
The main article is talking about the release of some funding over the Christmas period for councils to use for various initiatives. As the site says;
Funding was allocated to the top half most deprived local authority areas, based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation, and the highest vacancy rates. Whilst Hackney is on the list strangely Haringey isn't.
Some points from the Notes to Editors;
1.
Town centre planning rules already give council the power to refuse a new development that might harm the high street. Local licensing powers can also limit a particular type of shop in a town to prevent too much of the same business or unwanted nightlife.
Made me think of the current situation we have in our area with too many gambling establishments. The above quote seems to imply some power over planning decisions for the council regards these gambling establishments.
2.
Standard 'interim-use' leases :
There are three versions of the lease, each of which incorporates guidance notes:
*for landlords letting direct to temporary occupiers;
*for landlords letting to local authorities (or other similar bodies) as intermediaries, who will then sublet to a temporary occupier; and
*a sublease for an intermediary to let to a temporary occupier.
The aim is for the leases to give landlords confidence that they can get the property back in good condition after temporary use.
3.
The Government is also supporting the Meanwhile Project, led by the Development Trusts Association to support landlords, local authorities and potential occupiers to bring empty town centre properties into meanwhile use.
See point 4 under Notes to Editors for more info.
Wonder if Haringey Council is engaged with any of the above initiatives.