In the wider framework of the Government’s policies aimed at regenerating high streets, the Open Doors Pilot project aims to support community groups as well as landlords struggling to find tenants for their empty properties. It proposes to fund the temporary use of premises by small charities and community groups who often struggle to pay rents on town centre premises.
The first phase, now launched, will identify suitable landlords and properties. A second phase will ask the small organisations to come forward with proposals to use these spaces for the benefit of the local communities.
This commitment of the Government to the regeneration of high streets was also confirmed in the Autumn Budget 2018 (read our summary here). The Open Door Pilot will be a great opportunity for small charities in the heritage sector to find their space in the town centres, in the heart of their communities.