About
3Space - Spaces for Public Good
3Space was formed in 2010 as a direct response to the increase in vacant commercial premises brought about by the financial crisis and changes in the way we work and shop. Whilst others saw the empty buildings, we saw the opportunity. We work with government, developers and corporates and have operated over 45 buildings across the UK, making better use of commercial space to drive regeneration and benefit local communities.
Our goal is to increase the provision of spaces for public good in cities. As policy starts to change, and with a new appetite from city leaders for more efficient use of buildings and Community Wealth Building outcomes, 3Space are working on new practical operating models and partnerships which can be implemented at scale. For example, our operating model BUYGIVEWORK is the first to apply the Buy One = Give One approach to property. Businesses buy space, 3Space give space away to local non-profits and experimental projects, and the result is a better workplace - one that is representative of the area whilst fostering new types of uses and technologies.
Whilst we have a lot of experience in Meanwhile and interim use (have a read of our manifesto to understand why this type of use is so important for cities) we are also working on permanent projects which integrate space for public good for the long term. We champion the environmental and placemaking benefits of repurposing existing buildings. We are forever quoting Jane Jacobs and ‘new ideas must use old buildings,’ in the belief that existing buildings play a vital part in retaining the diversity and innovation that makes cities great. And believe that the reuse of existing buildings over demolition is the approach to take if cities are serious about reducing carbon emissions.
Our objectives:
Promote and deliver efficient use of space: To promote and help deliver an efficient city operating at close to 100% occupancy of commercial spaces, with gaps being optimised for non-commercial use for wider benefit
Deliver economic growth and regeneration: Provide attractive workspace opportunities to bring new and high growth businesses to an area, whilst providing opportunities for local people and community initiatives
Retain Diversity and support experimentation: Providing spaces to test new ideas and delivering support for these to develop a route to market
Support local Initiatives: Provide support to local charities, non-profits, artists, community groups and early stage start-ups free of charge space.
Hallmarks of our approach:
Prioritising innovative and diverse tenant mix: Utilising innovative funding models to curate a mix of organisations and activities, and prioritising tenant mix over income outcomes.
Adopting a flexible approach: Remaining flexible in the types of spaces being repurposed and delivering a range of models in response to changing needs
Stakeholder management and communication: Managing and engaging with multiple stakeholders including local people, Councils landlords, non-profit support bodies and tenants
Applying practical ‘hands on’ skills: Offering expert solutions to repurposing and utilising redundant space (particularly end of life buildings) by delivering cost effectives solutions for fit-outs and skilled Facilities Management for all types of buildings
To get in touch with us about operating a building, your portfolio or a development proposal send us an email info@3space.org
We're based in Brixton London.
Registered Charity Number: 1136377