The term is broadly defined as the temporary occupation of a vacant or under-utilised space, very often while alternative uses are explored or planning permission is being obtained.

Uses can range from temporary retail units and community spaces, through to cafés and even indoor skate parks.

The benefits of meanwhile use

Allowing a building to be occupied when it would otherwise sit empty has several advantages:

• Economic: as well as mitigating void costs, meanwhile use creates immediate value from vacant premises – enabling affordable testing of business ideas such as pop-up shops, exhibitions, and shared workspaces, as well as generating footfall and spending in surrounding businesses.
• Strategic value: meanwhile use can potentially reduce development risk while keeping communities engaged during the planning process. It also allows for the testing of ideas ahead of major investment and can support longer-term regeneration goals and placemaking.
• Social: bringing redundant buildings back into use can create community resources like meeting spaces, cultural venues and educational facilities – providing an opportunity for people to connect and collaborate while deterring antisocial behaviour and making areas feel safer and more vibrant.
• Environmental: maximising the use of existing buildings reduces the need for new construction and prevents empty properties from deteriorating. It can also often promote sustainability through initiatives like community gardens and other projects.

Meanwhile use in action

With input from Savills and other partners, local enterprise and business group Cambridge Ahead has explored meanwhile use as a potential way to promote sustainable development in a city where growth is often restricted by its historic surroundings. Encouragingly, there are already several examples where meanwhile use is happening effectively.

The Cambridge Room has transformed a vacant unit in the Grafton Centre into a dynamic space for civic engagement – hosting everything from exhibitions and workshops through to community consultations and public events. Elsewhere, The Warehouse at the Beehive Centre is being used as a temporary indoor skate park following consultation with site owner Railpen and local skaters.

It’s not just the city centre where meanwhile use has been a success. At Waterbeach – a development of approximately 6,500 homes just north of Cambridge – masterplanner Urban&Civic repurposed existing military buildings into temporary office space and leisure facilities, including a pop-up café and a lakeside hub offering paddleboarding and other outdoor activities.

The examples above not only brought buildings that would otherwise sit empty back into use, they also built a sense of community and created opportunities for local enterprise, allowing grass-roots organisations and early-stage start-ups to pilot ideas in high-footfall, accessible locations at a relatively low cost, while potentially laying the groundwork for future longer-term occupation.

Considerations for good meanwhile use

Successful meanwhile uses often become anchors for community activity and stepping stones for organisations to grow, build networks and attract investment.

Partnership between organisations, asset owners, developers and local authorities is key to success. Early conversations and open dialogue can help streamline the process and build trust, while clear agreements can reduce legal costs and complexity for all parties.

Demountable designs and flexible contracts offer practical ways to reduce risk and support sustainable use, while longer temporary leases or clear minimum durations may enable tenants to secure investment.

Effective meanwhile use can play a key role in an area’s growth. When done well, it is more than just a stop-gap. It can form an important part of the placemaking strategy – adding significant value, tackling inequality, forging a sense of community and giving new life to underused spaces.

Further information

Contact Molly Eyles or Henry Godsal