Making Space: A Manifesto for Shared Commercial Spaces

There is a growing appetite among landlords and occupiers to open up commercial spaces for community use. But what are the barriers that must be addressed to make it happen?

In an era of underutilised offices and increasing pressure on community infrastructure, Making Space explores how commercial real estate can be reimagined to serve broader social needs.

Landlords, developers, architects and occupiers are increasingly recognising the potential for commercial space to serve broader community needs. Partially empty offices and underutilised real estate can provide valuable services and core infrastructure to local communities in the vicinity of office buildings. Meanwhile, local councils face ongoing financial challenges and many are resorting to cutting funding to non-statutory services, including the defunding of community groups and, in some cases, selling the buildings that they use.

The research, based on surveys and interviews with landlords, developers, occupiers and community organisations, shows that 94% of stakeholders believe occupiers should consider offering space to community groups, even if they’re not currently able to do so. While 4 in 10 already offer part of their space, 6 in 10 say they would be willing to: a strong appetite for change.

TP Bennett has identified five key considerations for real estate stakeholders looking to make space for community use, from understanding local needs to creatively addressing security and privacy concerns. Making Space highlights the practical design interventions that can make shared use more feasible, such as flexible layouts, zoned areas, and access to meeting rooms and technology.

Tracey Sanders, Director at TP Bennett, said:

“With thoughtful design, commercial spaces can become meaningful connectors to support local groups, strengthen community ties, and enhance the employee experience. Our Manifesto for Making Space offers a practical framework to help stakeholders unlock new relevance and purpose within their buildings and estates.”