by Brianna Crandall — October 9, 2013—The U.K. Cabinet Office and Efficiency and Reform Group have collaborated to publish a list of surplus workspace and meeting rooms that the British Government is making available for free to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), charities and social enterprises. The government explains that while it is in the process of increasing federal efficiency by reducing the number of properties that it has in its estate, some of the buildings are not being used while they are awaiting disposal.
The Space for Growth initiative will enable organizations to work flexibly across the country in locations that are set up for business use. The agencies say that the first step is to make workstations available in office buildings. However, in the future, there will also be retail opportunities like pop-up shops, free meeting rooms and other types of buildings becoming available.
According to the British Institute for Facilities Management’s (BIFM) FM World news bulletin, the current spaces offered are in 61 locations, and a further 15 properties will become available in the near future. FM World explains that the space is free of rent and rates, but occupants will usually be responsible for service and utility charges. The bulletin also notes that some spaces offered are in buildings that have manned reception desks and can be booked on an ad hoc basis.
Those who wish to use space in government buildings need to go through a basic security clearance procedure, including obtaining a Disclosure Certificate. The deadline for applications to use the properties is October 15, adds FM World.
