Short-term empty properties program

This program has no set dates or rounds. We call for applications when properties become available.

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About this program

We own several commercial and community properties, including retail and office space. These properties may be empty for short periods between tenancies.

The short-term empty properties program provides immediate and short-term occupancy of temporarily vacant or under-used properties within our portfolio. The properties are offered for at least one month occupancy.

The program supports:

creative practitioners and cultural organisations
community organisations and social enterprises
businesses and startups that support the local economy
organisations with a focus on sustainability and the environment.

Preference is given to applicants in our area or to projects that can demonstrate significant benefit to local communities.

- Activities that reflect our cultural, social, economic and environmental strategies and action plans
- Increasing connection with the local community, including artists and creative organisations, small business and visitors
- Stimulating local economies by encouraging a diverse business mix with innovative or capacity building enterprises
- Increasing opportunities and exposure for emerging and established enterprises including artists
- Increasing opportunities for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.
We encourage applications from organisations that support Aboriginal and Torres and Strait Islander communities and culture, including community-controlled organisations and networks.
- Idea for the space – how will you use the space?
- Use of space – why is this space suitable?
- Support – how will this opportunity support you, including how often you will use the space?
- How does the project deliver against the funding priorities set out above?

Support available

Support is available in the form of reduced rental charges for City of Sydney properties that are available and suitable for the proposed activity. We may require payment of a bond as part of your lease agreement.

Eligibility

You must show how your proposal benefits our residents, workers and/or visitors and demonstrate that payment of standard rates would cause financial hardship.

These individuals and organisations can apply:
- eligible not-for-profit organisation
- incorporated association
- unincorporated community group auspiced by an eligible not-for-profit organisation
- corporation
- co-operative
- partnership
- sole trader
- trustee of a trust.
This program is open to for profit entities.

For the definition of each eligible applicant above, see the glossary/definitions section in the grants and sponsorship guidelines.

For more information in eligibility, see the eligibility section in the grants and sponsorship guidelines.

How to apply

This grant program is run as an expression of interest. The first step will be a call for community members’ interest, followed by an application stage. We may interview short-listed candidates.

This program has no set dates or rounds and is open when properties become available.

Sign-up to our mailing list to hear about opportunities when they become available.

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A man with tattoos sits by a desk with art supplies, paint jars, and two sculpted figures, in a well-lit room with a skateboard and framed artwork on the wall.

Cultural support & fundingCreative live and work spaces

Short-term empty properties program

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City concierge

Help with grants in your language

About this program

Funding priorities

Assessment criteria

Support available

Eligibility

Eligible for funding

Not eligible for funding

How to apply