This scheme is entirely free and has the security of Waterford Council behind it.

Transcription

1 LANDLORD INFORMATION VACANT PREMISES SCHEME (City Arts Spaces) With the success of the new visitor attractions to Waterford and an increase in tourist numbers, Waterford Council is again taking applications for the Vacant City Premises Scheme which is aimed at rejuvenating the retail centre and helping you showcase your vacant premises. This scheme is entirely free and has the security of Waterford Council behind it. The Metropolitan Council, through its Culture and Property departments is offering you the opportunity to have your shop opened, lit, insured, aired, the exterior tidied and possibly painted, all at no cost to yourself and with the added bonus of the rates waiver remaining in operation if you don t get a commercial renter. Waterford Metropolitan Council has created a special three-way legal licence between owners of vacant shops, exhibiting creative artists and co-signed by the Council itself. With this licence the landlord can continue to advertise the space for re-letting while it is occupied by the creative practitioner. Should the landlord obtain a commercial rent paying tenant the property will be vacated by the creative practitioner. The Council s role is to facilitate the bringing together of the landlord and the temporary occupant and arrange for the management and regulation of this relationship through the license agreement and to ensures that there is no risk to either party. The aim of this scheme is to: Showcase vacant properties to potential tenants to help them be re-let. Increase footfall and attract additional visitors to the city centre by providing a new range of exciting businesses, activities and exhibitions. Reduce the visual impact of vacant property within the City Centre. Offer free spaces (subject to payment of utility bills) for creative practitioners to try out new ideas and/or reach new audiences. Provide opportunity for new start-up creative businesses to establish themselves as a possible rent paying tenant in the future. Generate publicity for Waterford City Centre. Page 1 of 6

2 What can the space be used for? We would like to see a healthy variety of arts based activity that draws footfall while complementing existing and established businesses within the direct environs and the greater City Centre. The only exception to this aim is activities which would contravene planning and licensing regulations or are in conflict with Council objectives. Because the Metropolitan Council is standing over the license, tenants will have to go through an application and vetting process to ensure their suitability for the scheme. What responsibilities does the landlord have? Very few Just to ensure the premises is in a safe condition when the license is applied and to agree to temporarily lease out the building free of charge or for a token fee for the duration of the agreement. What advantages does the scheme hold for the landlord? Improved appearance of vacant property/ Continuous up-keep of property. The Waterford City Vacant premises scheme provides that the temporary occupant will keep the premises clean, tidy, free from flyposting and will ensure an active and engaging shop front thereby improving the properties potential for re-letting. In addition it will ensure that the property does not become a potential Derelict Site. Increased Exposure for the Property. The Vacant premises scheme will showcase the vacant property and this in turn helps market it to prospective tenants and new customers. Benefits Surrounding Businesses. If the landlord has other properties in the area the additional footfall generated will benefit adjacent properties. Acknowledgement of Landlord. Waterford City Council will acknowledge the role of the landlord for accommodating the vacant premises scheme in any publicity or marketing scheme. Speedy Vacancy Clause. There is a fast vacancy clause inserted into the licence agreement should the landlord get a paying tenant. Payment of Utilities. For the duration of the agreement the public liability insurance is paid by Waterford City Council and the occupier is liable for other utility costs. Advertise Property. The landlord can continue to advertise the property for a paying tenant. Weekly Inspection. The property will be inspected on a weekly basis by Waterford City Council. Page 2 of 6

3 How do I join the scheme? Waterford Metropolitan Council has undertaken a vacant property audit in the City Centre and your building has been chosen as one of the properties we are interested in. Below is a preliminary application form - It is not a contract; it is a form that indicates your interest in joining the scheme. Please fill it in and or post it to: Maread Burke, Waterford City Arts Spaces, Culture Department, Waterford Metropolitan Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford. If you would like any further clarification, feel free to contact Mairead at Preliminary Application Form General Details Date Received Applicant Name:. Address:... Telephone: Page 3 of 6

4 Premises Address: What does the premises consist of? Number of Ground floor rooms: Toilets/washing facilities: Unoccupied floors above shop:.. Basement: Are utility payments up to date? Is the building in a safe condition? Page 4 of 6

5 Existing Lease and Rates arrangements Is the premises currently subject to: A Lease? A Sub-lease/rental/other contract? Lease free? Is the premises liable for Rates? Has the premises been subject of a Rates waiver/rates claim back? Tax compliance issues PPSN: VAT Number:.. Do you have a current tax clearance certificate? (Details): Preferred use of premises (Waterford Council will try to match Landlord s preference with that of the Description of activity you would like to see in your premises): Page 5 of 6

6 creative practitioner. I hereby confirm that the above information is truthful and accurate. Signature of applicant:.. Date: Application approved for participation in Waterford City Council s Vacant Premises Scheme (for internal office use only) Yes/No Contact Details Maread Burke, Waterford City Arts Spaces, Culture Department, Waterford City Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford. Contact Telephone Numbers: Maraid Burke: E: mnburke@waterfordcouncil.ie Conor Nolan: E: conornolan@waterfordcouncil.ie Web: Page 6 of 6