REINVIGORATE – ASTOP

ASTOP is a social enterprise that has managed the ethical temporary occupation of more than 400 sites since 2009. We act as the linchpin of a process that puts unused commercial spaces to good use and revitalises high streets and shopping centres.

We bring together the owners of empty units and charities that need a place to promote their work. The partnerships created are beneficial to the landlords, the good causes and the local community. One example of our work to reinvigorate properties and communities is the Southside shopping centre in Wandsworth, south-west London. We revitalised the empty site of a former Debenhams store here, which became home to several charitable causes. These diverse groups included a food bank, organisations helping cancer patients and the homeless, creative initiatives, the RSPCA and refugee/asylum support. None of these groups had to pay rent, business rates, utility bills or service charges. The landlord, meanwhile, saw a reduction in business rates (exceeding 50% -almost £800 a day at the height of the pandemic) and a welcome boost in footfall and spirits. When that space was converted into a leisure centre, the landlord made several other unused units available for charities –there are now more than a dozen such organisations operating there.

As well as the positives for good causes and landlords, ASTOP’s work also benefits the community. Southside, at the heart of Wandsworth, has been reinvigorated as a social hub where people can interact with charities and each other. ASTOP has delivered projects with a similar positive impact in areas including Birmingham, Rochdale and Walton-on-Thames. As well as overseeing the creation of partnerships, we offer support in areas such as marketing, signage and branding.

We are proud of the work we do to deliver significant and tangible benefits for all parties involved.