Meanwhile Use

Developing a Meanwhile Use Policy for Tunbridge Wells

Creative Tunbridge Wells is working to establish a Meanwhile Use Policy to address the issue of vacant or underused spaces in Tunbridge Wells. This policy will provide a framework for the temporary repurposing of these spaces to benefit both property owners and the wider community.

What is Meanwhile Use?

Meanwhile Use involves the temporary activation of vacant properties for creative and community-focused activities. This can include:

• Art exhibitions
• Creative workshops and studios
• Theatre and music performances
• Community events
• Pop-up retail
• Pup-up hospitality spaces

Goals of the Policy

Our aim is to create a policy that will:

• Animate the town centre and neighbourhood hubs
• Support the growth of the local creative sector
• Foster community connection and social well-being
• Spaces to create – we know makers and artists desperately need more studio space!
• Enhance the overall attractiveness of Tunbridge Wells

The Pump Room: A Meanwhile Use Success Story

Creative Tunbridge Wells has already demonstrated the power of Meanwhile Use with the Pump Room project. By bringing this previously underutilised space into regular use, we’re creating a new cultural space for the town. This project serves as a model for what can be achieved with a comprehensive Meanwhile Use Policy.

Current Status

We are currently in the process of negotiating with key stakeholders to finalise the details of the Meanwhile Use Policy and will publish it here soon.