Unlock the potential of your empty building – flexibly, responsibly, and with real social impact.
SET is a London-based arts and community charity specialising in meanwhile use and the delivery of affordable workspace for creatives.
We transform vacant and underused buildings into thriving, community-powered spaces through genuine charitable occupation. Our approach supports over 1,500 artists and makers while helping landlords reduce liability, maintain compliance, and generate measurable social value.
Whether you’re seeking a short-term solution ahead of redevelopment or looking to satisfy affordable workspace obligations in a new scheme, SET offers a flexible, low-risk and high-impact alternative.

What We Do

Meanwhile Use, Made Simple
We bring empty buildings back to life on a short-to-medium-term basis, tailored around your development or disposal timelines.
Vacant Property Solutions
Our in-house facilities and compliance team ensures each site is actively managed and maintained; from fire safety and security to insurance support, repairs and ongoing risk assessments. (subject to agreed terms and conditions.)
Charitable Occupation & Business Rates Relief
SET occupies space directly as a registered charity. Our use typically qualifies for 80–100% business rates relief, reducing your liability while enabling real community impact.
No Agents. No Fees. No Subletting.
We deal directly; no third-party operators, no hidden charges, no sub-letting. This keeps things straightforward, accountable, and legally robust.
CIL & Section 106 Alignment
Affordable workspace for creatives is a recognised priority in the Mayor of London’s 2021 London Plan. Under Policy E3, developers are encouraged to provide B Use Class spaces for artists at below-market rent.
SET is increasingly working with councils and developers to help deliver, operate and sustain these spaces, either through meanwhile use during build-out phases or as part of long-term placemaking strategies.
While we’re not planners, our experience managing over 140,000 sq ft of space across London gives us a strong grasp of how to activate buildings efficiently and cost-effectively, aligning with CIL relief, social value frameworks, and Section 106 obligations.

We are always mindful of long-term ambitions for a site. Our uses remain within the permitted use class and are designed to avoid interfering with or redefining the future planning narrative.
Meanwhile use is the model that allows us to deliver the best possible opportunity to our member artists — and we’re aligned with landlords in keeping that use clearly temporary, flexible, and appropriate

A Legal and Ethical Alternative to Guardianship

Following key legal rulings in 2021, property guardianship schemes no longer qualify for business rates mitigation, and in some cases may require HMO licensing, creating legal and reputational risk.
SET offers a compliant, purpose-driven alternative:

  • Charitable occupation with full legal standing
  • Secure, risk-managed environments
  • Robust rates mitigation, without grey areas
  • Lower/zero insurance premiums and security costs
  • A cultural and social legacy for you and your asset

Who We Work With

We’ve successfully partnered with:

  • Local authorities
  • Institutional landlords
  • Housing associations
  • Developers and estates
  • Charitable trusts

From 1,000 sq ft to 140,000 sq ft, we move fast and operate flexibly, whether the space is awaiting planning permission, stalled in development, or pending disposal.

Who Uses Our Spaces

SET sites house a diverse and collaborative creative community, supporting over 1,500 artists, makers, designers and performers.
Our sites include:

  • Private studios
  • Public exhibitions
  • Shared cafés and community workshops
  • Inclusive events and cultural programmes

We are proud members of LAASN, advocating for equitable access to workspace and responsible meanwhile use across London

Let’s Bring Your Building Back to Life

Got an upcoming void or an obligation to deliver affordable workspace?
We’d love to explore how SET can help activate your site, safely, affordably, and with genuine public value.
property@setspace.uk
www.setspace.uk
Based across London | Proud member of LAASN
SET — Vacant Property Solutions with Purpose