Case Study: Woolwich
A former office space is transformed into a Potter’s studio
RATE SAVING STRATEGY: Charitable Occupation
REDUCTION ACHIEVED: 80%
RATES SAVED: £297,000pa
-
When a forward-thinking client acquired a disused, council-owned office block in Woolwich, they had one clear aim: to deliver meaningful social value while mitigating the substantial costs that come with holding a vacant commercial property. The building, empty and unused, was costing thousands in business rates and posed the typical risks associated with long-term vacancy — from deterioration to potential security issues.
After a full site inspection, it became clear that while the property wasn’t viable for residential use, it had enormous potential as a centre for creative enterprise. The layout, scale, and location all lent themselves perfectly to a meanwhile use that could have a positive community impact. We identified Charitable Occupation as the ideal solution and got to work with a not-for-profit organisation that supports artists and cultural programming.
What followed was an ambitious but highly rewarding transformation. Together with our charity partner, we delivered a complete fit-out of the building, making sure it met all safety and compliance requirements and could be used effectively by local artists. Floors that once sat silent and empty were converted into affordable studios and workspaces. Corridors that had been gathering dust are now alive with energy and creativity.
Today, that once-vacant tower is home to one of the largest creative meanwhile use projects in London, housing over 250 individual workspaces across its 19 floors. More than 500 artists now use the building, with painters, designers, makers, and performers all contributing to a thriving cultural ecosystem. The site has not only injected new life into the building, but also driven footfall to the local area and provided Woolwich with a major cultural asset.
For our client, the benefits have been twofold. Through qualifying for charitable occupation, they’ve secured an 80% reduction in business rates, resulting in major savings. And with the property now active and well-managed, they’ve avoided the need for costly 24-hour security or ongoing maintenance associated with vacancy.
This project proves what’s possible when social impact and smart property strategy come together. A once-forgotten office block is now a creative powerhouse — supporting hundreds of local artists, strengthening community identity and saving the client a considerable sum in the process.
