Councillor Suggests ‘Meanwhile Leases’ to Address Vacant Properties in Redhill

Charities and pop-up businesses might occupy vacant council properties in Redhill temporarily. This proposal, put forth by Councillor Neha Boghani, involves short-term “meanwhile leases” as a solution to the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council’s annual expenditure of £619,000 on unoccupied units across the borough. The Local Democracy Reporting Service indicates that three-quarters of this sum is allocated to the upkeep of Redhill properties, covering expenses such as business rates, insurance, and utility bills. The executive body of the Reigate and Banstead Council plans to evaluate the implementation of temporary leases and their potential economic advantages at a later time. Fundamentally, “meanwhile leases” enable the short-term use of retail spaces in town centers, bypassing extensive administrative and legal procedures. This arrangement allows non-commercial entities, typically unable to afford standard rental costs, to utilize these locations promptly. 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 closed since September 2023 because of crumbling concrete discovered in its roof structure. The Green Party has proposed that the numerous unoccupied units within The Light shopping centre in Redhill could be utilized for Christmas charity appeals or by community organizations. “This arrangement can create something out of nothing,” Ms Boghani added, emphasizing that “It could be put to good use to support the charities using the space for the short term.”