Lesley Robinson takes us through the advantages of the Department of Communities' Meanwhile Project initiative, which will fill vacant shop units with non-profit organisations.

The Department of Communities and Local Government has launched an initiative called the Meanwhile Project to fill the increasing number of vacant shop units appearing on the high street. This aims to encourage temporary, short-term occupation of empty shop premises by non-commercial bodies such as charities, voluntary organisations and community groups, or individuals like musicians or artists who might want space for temporary shops, exhibitions or shows. The project also aims to assist landlords by providing them with an income as they try to find long-term, paying tenants, thus maintaining the viability and vitality of town centres.