Interim Use

Bringing Vacant Space into Charitable Use

We help UK-registered charities access rent-free, flexible space in vacant properties to support their vital work and strengthen communities.

Enquire about a space

Our Object

We provide rent-free, flexible space in vacant properties for UK-registered charities. 

Vacant buildings are a wasted asset that can be used to do good. Through interim use, we help charities access space for meetings, events, storage and community activities, while bringing otherwise empty properties back into beneficial use.

To learn more about our mission, please visit our Mission page.

About Us

Interim Use grew out of the work of Relief Aid Logistics (registered charity number 1042912), part of the Cook Foundation UK. 

Our experience of using vacant property for charitable purposes began in 1995, when Relief Aid Logistics was given rent-free use of Stirling House in Rochester. The building was used to collect, sort, store and send aid and emergency supplies to Bosnia.

Since then, we have used a range of vacant properties to support charitable work. Incorporated in 2016, Interim Use draws on more than 30 years of experience in bringing empty buildings back into charitable use.

To learn more about our history, please visit our Provenance page.

Professor Michael Mainelli presenting donated computers to representatives of Ukraine Appeal at a Computers 4 Good event

How It Works?

You make an impact

Charities use the space rent-free to deliver their services and support their communities.

We match properties with charities

We work with UK-registered charities to understand their needs and match them with the right space.

We find suitable place

We identify vacant properties that are safe, accessible, and suitable for charitable use.

Eligibility

As part of our requirements, an organisation occupying Interim Use’s premises must: 

  • Be a registered charity
  • Use the space for charitable purposes
  • Have valid public liability insurance
To enquire, please visit our Available Spaces page.

Our Ethos

An empty building is a missed opportunity.

Together, we can turn unused space into opportunities that support charities, strengthen communities and give important work room to grow. By bringing vacant properties into charitable use, we help create meaningful public benefit while making better use of otherwise empty buildings.

What charities say...

Interim Use provided us with a free rehearsal space at a crucial stage in preparing for our major show. The space enabled our creative team to develop ideas and build the foundations of a game-changing performance. We are grateful for the support and look forward to working with Interim Use again.
No Bounds
General Manager
LIFEbeat is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to use Interim Use's building. Being able to gather and connect in person makes such a difference, and the cost of venue hire can often make this difficult for charities. Interim Use provided a great, accessible space and a valuable base for our volunteer training ahead of our summer programmes. Thank you so much!
LIFEbeat
Project Manager
Central to Computers 4 Good’s mission is the ethical refurbishment and reuse of surplus IT devices to drive the circular economy. Interim Use play a key role in supporting our regional Tech 4 Reuse event initiative by providing quality, rent-free, under-utilised spaces for charitable use as part of the Meanwhile Use movement.
Computers 4 Good
Chief Operating Officer

Frequently Asked Questions

To help us assess your requirements and identify a suitable space, please email us at contact-us@interimuse.org with some information about your charity and how you intend to use the property.

The length of use can range from a few hours to a longer-term arrangement, depending on the space available and your charity’s requirements. This will be agreed with you in advance.

Charities may use the space for a wide range of charitable activities, provided the proposed use is suitable for the property and agreed with Interim Use in advance.

The type of space available varies depending on the vacant properties we have at the time. This may include offices, retail units, storage areas and other commercial premises suitable for charitable use.

There is no commercial rent, although contributions towards utilities or business rates may apply.

Depending on the length and nature of the occupation, the charity may be asked to contribute towards utilities or other running costs. Any charges will be discussed and agreed in advance.

A rolling 30-day notice period applies.

Generally, these remain with the Landlord.