Alternative Use of Decommissioned Buildings Case studies and discussion in groups. Peter Webb & Andrew Bartlett

Agenda Empty Buildings: Some Context, Options and Restrictions Case Studies Discussion on tables Summary

Empty Buildings: Options and restrictions Specification of many supported housing buildings means they need to be converted. Funding restrictions mean that grant would have to be recycled Re-let to another Registered Provider Develop for affordable housing as shared ownership Demand and value driven – can be in low market value areas Demolish and build something else Sell it to a private developer Sell it to another RP at Existing Use Valuation

Case study: Property Guardians Occupying a 10 bed hostel that would otherwise have stood empty Providing an affordable security service All occupants are on licence agreements Usually working professionals who may need temporary accommodation due to short term contracts Property had a poor reputation in the neighbourhood and couldn’t be left empty for any length of time Fee is negotiable They can take time to fill the building

Property Guardians continued Responsible for the onsite compliance responsibility Minimum of three months tenure is usually required, can be terminated with a months notice Repairs and servicing responsibility can still be the responsibility of the Landlord. Sometime causes access problems Good communication with the management team Reliable and secure Clarity over responsibility is essential

Case study: Change of client group

Case study: Change of client group Shared learning disability scheme in Hackney 14 bed spaces in 7 shared flats Housing management by FM, support by an external provider occupying an 8th flat as a scheme office. History of low demand. Accommodation no longer suitable for the client group. Support service decommissioned by Local Authority February 2015. Extended decant period requiring joint working with Social Services and the support provider to identify suitable accommodation for existing residents. Future options for use of building limited due to Department of Health capital funding arrangements.

Case study: Change of client group Alternative use as an interim alternative building for an existing service with a mental health client group identified September 2015. Redecoration of flats undertaken using in house handyperson service from October 2015. FM office set up and 1st lets for the new client group from Feb 2016. Last LD tenant rehoused September 2016. Long term plan to redevelop the site on back burner because of uncertainties about future funding.

Change of client group – Issues and costs Capital funding restrictions Refurnishing and redecoration costs Other remodelling costs Decanting arrangements Void losses through the transition