The changing face of the high street
SET is solving two problems at once, putting London’s disused buildings to good use and giving artists the space they need to create. Founded in 2016, this not-for-profit organisation is taking the concept of commercial property guardianship in London and reclaiming it for communities, offering artists the chance to develop large-scale, exciting projects in some of London’s large, disused properties.
The properties are leased to SET on a temporary basis, with the non-profit covering a proportion of business rates and maintenance overheads. As the high street continues to change and evolve, it looks likely that this sort of flexible use of space will become ever more popular in the coming years.
Co-founder of SET, Roland Fischer-Vousden, says: “Large-scale art projects often require a lot of space, and that’s not something you can easily find in residential properties. We created SET because we, as artists, wanted affordable workspace in the areas where we lived. We saw empty buildings all around us and wanted to develop projects in them and give other artists, writers and musicians the chance to join in and utilise otherwise unused space, giving them room to work and ensuring they’re not priced out of the city they love.
“We have had seven large buildings as SET Centres, including a grade II listed Victorian station and some high-rise offices. It’s a win-win situation. The owners know their property is being well-cared for and the artists, who become members of SET when they take on workspace, both have the space to develop their practices and contribute to a public programme which both advances the arts and gives back to the community local to each SET centre. At each centre over 50% of the membership lives in the local borough – and every member takes on obligations to contribute to our objectives.”
Over the past few years, increasing rents, lower consumer spending and fears over Brexit and supplies have all put pressure on UK high streets, meaning many have changed almost beyond recognition. With many household names collapsing or scaling back the number of stores they have, big players seem to be struggling to keep up almost as much as smaller outlets.
With private domestic rents also on the increase, many people are priced out of larger towns and cities, particularly in London and the South East. As many creatives are lower wage earners, the support offered by SET is proving a lifeline in tough economic times.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
For more information contact Roland Fischer-Vousden on 07795 146229 or email roland@setspace.uk
You can also visit http://setspace.uk/