Update: 22nd September – we’ve had an overwhelming response to this opportunity, with over 40 expressions of interest from across the City. As such, we’ve now closed to expressions of interest, and will be working with the owner on the next steps. To stay in the loop with this, and other opportunities, please follow us on social media (@socialvisionuk), subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter (news@social-vision.org.uk) or if you’re looking for support with your business/idea, visit www.tribeyork.com

Social Vision’s new Space Invaders project has found four vacant properties in the city centre available free of rent, rates and utility bills to local organisations with a social purpose.

Yes, we know. We are pretty excited too…

The four Piccadilly properties are the iconic Banana Warehouse, Advance Computer Systems, Baseline and Pine & Oak Furnishings. All are currently sitting empty, offering no benefit to anyone.

Let’s change that!

Could you use this free space? What would it be?

A pop up art gallery? Shop? Storage? Drop in centre? Theatre space? Fitness studio?

Each space could be used singularly or shared between a consortium.

To be eligible you would need to use the property to generate income and this would need to be your only commercial property. Permitted hours are 8am-6pm, 7 days a week.

Sounds too good to be true? Ok, so the catch is that the owners will give you only 30 days notice when the buildings need vacating for development.

But we think a pop up or flexible space would be perfect.

Social Vision’s Joe Gardham stated:

It’s well publicised how many empty properties there are in the city centre and how rent and rates make it impossible for organisations in our sector to get a visible presence. 

This is a unique opportunity to make use of prime real estate that has been sat derelict for way too long. This sort of thing happens all over Europe, and we’re excited to be able to offer it in York. These buildings will be redeveloped over the coming years, so we have a great chance to showcase great things happening in York.

But having an idea is one thing. Delivering it is another thing entirely! 

If you need support getting your idea off the ground, we’re here to help! We have expertise in project management, marketing, web design and have loads of experience in getting ideas off the ground.

If you are interested in this opportunity or would like some support to bring it to life, email joe@social-vision.org.uk