As a follow on to Hugh's post about
creative uses for empty shops. the Local Government Association (LGA) which says four out of five councils have reported an increase in empty premises, is calling for new powers to allow town halls to temporarily use shops as sites for community projects.
The LGA wants to make it easier and cheaper to use the premises for libraries, youth clubs, training centres and bring-and-buy sales.
It is asking for new powers to allow councils to take over shops once they have been vacant for three months.
It is also calling for a cut in VAT from 15% to 5% on the refurbishment of empty shops to encourage new businesses.
The LGA says the new powers would be a temporary measure for councils to use only during the recession.
Full story here
and
this article describes some ideas for creative uses such as farmers market halls, guerilla galleries and travelling museums.
All of which suggests that it would be great if Haringey could follow the lead of the LGA and work to help set up some creative spaces for the empty space on Green Lanes, starting of course with the big, deserted space at the Coliseum...