Close to half of the UK population would like to see unused or dilapidated buildings in their urban areas (49%) repurposed for uses such as residential, commercial, or retail, according to a survey commissioned by mortgage lender Together.
Many (46%) fear that if nothing is done soon, the issue will deteriorate further.
A significant number of people feel ‘unsafe’ due to the presence of these neglected buildings in their cities, and 40% think that they hinder economic prosperity.
The previous Conservative-Liberal Democrat government ran a program from 2012 to 2015 that provided funds to local authorities to return empty homes to use. However, this initiative ceased once the Conservative Party formed a majority government in 2015.
Elliot Vure from Together commented: “The survey results highlight a critical demand for action. The majority of British people are advocating for the transformation of these deserted buildings, acknowledging the potential benefits for revitalizing city communities and economic growth throughout the UK.
“Although it’s encouraging that the recycling of previously developed land is a key aspect of the Levelling Up agenda, the Government needs to be more driven about backing the redevelopment of vacant and rundown buildings.
“This is essential in tackling the housing shortage, which is anticipated to be a significant topic in the forthcoming General Election.”
On the matter of how best to repurpose these empty buildings, the top choice was to convert them into private housing or apartments for sale or rent (35%), and then community or social housing (26%). Almost a quarter of respondents (24%) prefer seeing them turned into local or independent businesses, others want community spaces (22%), and some advocate for their conversion into schools or youth centers (18%).
