'Meanwhile' leases may revamp Redhill - councillor

Empty council buildings in Redhill could be taken over by charities and pop-ups on a short-term basis.

Councillor Neha Boghani has suggested short-term "meanwhile leases" to combat the £619,000 spent by the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council every year on vacant units in the borough.

Three-quarters of this figure is spent maintaining properties in Redhill, going on business rates, insurance and utility bills, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The Reigate and Banstead Council executive will consider using temporary leases and its potential economic benefits at a future date.

Meanwhile leases essentially allow for the temporary occupation of a retail unit in a town centre without the lengthy administrative and legal process.

It means non-commercial occupiers, who would otherwise not be able to afford the rent, can take advantage of the site as soon as possible.

Ms Boghani said: "We could create space for community uses, for entertainment, to serve the most vulnerable and provide a decent size temporary venue until the Harlequin reopens."

The Harlequin Theatre has been shut since September 2023 due to crumbling concrete found in its roof.

The Green Party has suggested the multiple empty spaces in The Light shopping centre, Redhill, could be used for Christmas charity appeals or community groups.

"This arrangement can create something out of nothing," Ms Boghani said. "It could be put to good use to support the charities using the space for the short term."

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