Community ownership builds social connection, local resilience and a route to being financially strong.

Over 3.7 football fields of unused floor space has been standing empty for over 15+ years creating a sense that no one cares and the people here are not important.

Empty buildings have a negative impact every day for residents and visitors. It gives permission for anti-social behaviour that makes people feel unsafe increasing crime, fires, vandalism and fly tipping.

Lack of investment is holding back the street and so communities have to fight harder to make things work, but keeping them central is key otherwise there is a risk of gentrification that displaces local people.

It’s not okay that the vacant spaces are in private ownership that is complex, with multiple owners, flying freeholds and investors who are no longer motivated to maintain their buildings

The empty buildings are depriving people of spaces they need to work, live and use to make the street a place they want to spend time in

The market has failed, low property prices, high renovation costs leave most buildings ‘unviable’.

All empty buildings were being renovated back in to use collaboratively by the community working together with private businesses to genuinely benefit current and diverse local communities as well as new people who want to come to live and work in the area

We create new homes, business and community space on empty sites or in old buildings that can be built by local people reusing materials and makes the most of existing resources.

The buildings are filled with uses that directly address current and future challenges people experience - creating homes, work, social spaces and support that people need.

We work within the existing system and innovate for the future around ownership and leases that better support people who need it most.

Buildings waiting for a long-term solution are unlocked for meanwhile use in fun and creative ways.
More people choose to make Union Street their home.