Property

Bringing buildings back to life

The surroundings within which we live and work have a major impact on us all. Research has found that under-used or derelict buildings encourage crime, erode self-esteem and create health issues.

Renovating existing properties can make a big difference in an area: improving looks, helping local business and increasing property values.

We are doing this in an enterprising way. We operate a commercial property business that takes on neglected property, refurbishes it, and rents it out to return it into economic or community use. An example of this is the Old Doctors’ Surgery on James Street (illustrated) previously derelict, boarded up and subject to repeated vandalism. We purchased and renovated it and now lease it to a project which works closely with people at risk of hardship.

Doctors before and after

We also rent our properties to businesses. But we are a landlord with a difference.

We offer:

• flexible terms
• affordable rents
• help with financing
• free business support

We offer these extras to enable us to use our property to help nurture local businesses.

Retail incubator

An example of this is our retail incubator on St Mary Street (pictured left). This is a shared space designed to house up-to four small or start-up businesses while they grow to a point where they can afford to move into and maintain their own shop. We know that if we support local businesses they will eventually offer jobs and services to the local community.And of course the money that we make from commercial property is reinvested into the West Itchen area!