Purpose

Following the introduction of a Voluntary Re-housing Scheme
(VRS) at Cartmel, Coniston and Langdale the number of vacant units
has rapidly increased in the blocks. In May 2022 Camden ran a pilot
project with Bow Arts to convert 17 flats in Langdale from
residential use to “class E”. The pilot has
successfully proved the concept of running artist spaces in these
void units.
 
Following a procurement exercise Bow Arts provided the strongest
brief to take on the remaining voids (92 at the time of writing)
and broaden the offer to provide space to support a range of
hyper-local community activities. Additionally, the Council’s
Planning Committee granted planning permission to change the use
class of all available units from residential (class C3) to
workspace use (class E) on 14th September 2023.
 
This report recommends endorsing the outcome of the procurement
exercise to award Bow Arts as the meanwhile use operator for the
remaining voids.
 
 

Content

THAT the Director of Economy, Regeneration and Investment
approves:
      
i.         
The appointment of Bow Arts Ltd as meanwhile use operator for
Cartmel, Coniston, and Langdale;
     
ii.         
The entering of or amendment to any Licence or other legal
documentation required to secure the occupation of the units for a
year and thereafter on a rolling basis with 6 month break clauses;
and
   
iii.         
Support Bow Arts Ltd. to apply to the Community Partnerships Team
for 20% business rates relief charities are eligible for in
Camden.