Short-term empty properties program

This program has no set dates or rounds. It is responsive as properties become available.

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About this program

The City owns a number of commercial and community properties, including retail and office space, across the local area. These properties may be empty for short periods between tenancies.

The short-term empty properties program provides immediate and short-term activation of temporarily vacant or under-used properties within our portfolio. The properties are offered from one month to one year.

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 the local government area or to projects that can demonstrate significant benefit to the local community.

Our funding will prioritise applications that:
- activate temporarily vacant City-owned properties for a short term with activities that reflect our cultural, social, economic and environmental strategies and action plans
- increase engagement with the local community, including artists and creative organisations, small business and visitors
- stimulate local economies by encouraging a diverse business mix with innovative or capacity building enterprises
- increase opportunities and exposure for emerging and established enterprises including artists
- increase 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 Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and networks.
Proposals are assessed against:
- a strong concept for the space, including the project layout, look and feel
- consideration of the local precinct and local community
- experience in the delivery of similar projects
- evidence of how access to the opportunity will support the growth of the organisation or business
- ability to activate the space during business hours or a plan for how the space will be activated visually during these hours
- quality of the pitch outlining the concept for the space including supporting images, floor plans, visual references and details of referees
- how the project delivers against the funding priorities.

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.

Eligibility

Applicants must:
- demonstrate their organisation’s work or proposal benefits the City of Sydney’s residents, workers and/or visitors
- demonstrate that payment of commercial rents would cause financial hardship leading to a reduction or withdrawal of services.
These individuals and organisations can apply:
- not-for-profit organisations
- for-profit organisations
- sole trader
- unincorporated community groups.
Funding is not available for:
- individuals
- projects that directly contravene the eligibility and ethics framework or existing City of Sydney policies.

How to apply

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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

Current funding priorities

Assessment criteria

Support available

Eligibility

Eligible for funding

Not eligible for funding

How to apply