Meanwhile in Oxfordshire

Communities Advocate Dr Dianne Regisford at Blackbird Leys Community Centre by Hannah Pye.jpg — Case study

Image: Communities Advocate Dr Dianne Regisford at Blackbird Leys Community Centre by Hannah Pye

Launched in early 2021, ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire’ is transforming underused space in Oxfordshire’s urban centres, with a view to growing an inclusive economy, amongst other outcomes.

28

buildings secured and refurbished
100+

community enterprises supported
£1.69m

Capital funding secured from LEP
200+

jobs created or supported

The programme was developed by Oxford City Council, with funding secured by the Local Enterprise Partnership from central government’s Getting Building Fund.

Lead delivery partners include:

Makespace Oxford, which has a track record of transforming ‘empty and underused spaces in Oxford to create affordable workspaces that nurture connection and support between social enterprises, creatives, makers and doers committed to positive change’
Wild Property, a commercial agent known and trusted by local asset owners

They’re supported by an alliance of other local property, grassroots and arts organisations.

Over 18 months, they’ve secured and refurbished 25+ buildings, and supported 30+ socially-trading organisations (STOs) to access affordable space on a ‘meanwhile’ basis. The programme will support 112 STOs in total.

"Meanwhile in Oxfordshire has been a tremendous springboard for many socially-trading organisations.
The lever of capital grant has made it possible to bring many empty spaces back into use at affordable rates on a meanwhile basis quickly. This is helping to make the High Street more accessible and diversifying the mix.
The next step is to adopt and develop alternative ownership and stewardship models that can bring about more systemic change and lock in affordability and social impact in the long term. We’re working with Platform Places to do just that."
— Andy Edwards, Director of Makespace Oxford