Repurposing vacant properties to address housing challenges – A Half-Day Seminar: Innovative solutions to tackle housing challenges in Ireland

Maximising the use of our existing housing stock, especially in our towns and cities, is a key priority of the government’s Housing for All strategy, and it represents a critical element of a sustainable housing policy.

The Irish construction industry, government bodies and financial sectors have long grappled with the challenge of vacant properties and underutilised spaces. These properties not only detract from the aesthetics of our cities but pose safety risks and hinder communities’ overall growth and development.

When left empty, vacant properties can accelerate neighbourhood and community decline, depreciating property vaules and attracting anti-social behaviour resulting in decreased quality of life for local communities.

To breathe new life into vacant properties, it is imperative to think beyond conventional uses and explore the creative use of space.

Monoma Ireland is the Irish wing of Mosaic World, a Dutchbased company that has connected a wide variety of people with the broadest range of available, affordable living spaces, from raw concrete studios to carpeted flats, as well as providing services that help protect and nurture communities, keeping them safe and social as they grow.

Monoma Ireland, acting on behalf of owners of vacant Irish properties, renovates and manages properties for a fixed period and creates vibrant living and working spaces, helping to address the current housing crisis and arresting community decline. In doing this, Monoma is creating new living spaces where there were none.

Monoma Ireland’s overall objective is to bring empty properties back into use by creating homes, communities and working spaces.

Repurposing vacant properties can also create vibrant communal spaces, such as art galleries, co-working hubs, community centres or temporary pop-up shops. This approach not only activates previously unused areas but also fosters community engagement and economic development.

David Arkins, Commercial Manager, Monoma Ireland, explains, “Flexibility is key when managing vacant properties as they come and go. The main goal is to keep buildings across Ireland in perfect condition and quickly at hand for their next owner.”

Monoma Ireland has a number of clients that have engaged them to repurpose, fit out and manage their vacant properties to prevent them from being vacant while they process their longer-term plans for them.

Keith Brennan, Director, Grant Thornton, is one client who has already engaged the company. He explains, “While waiting for a permanent solution, we put vacant properties under management with Monoma to protect them from derelict and value loss. Temporary use provides a lot of advantages for all involved.”

Monoma Ireland is now looking to bring this concept to a wider audience and estimates that it can change the dynamic of towns across the country that are blighted by vacant properties at this time.

David Arkins adds, “There has been much debate about what needs to be done with vacant and derelict sites across Ireland, but there are tested and proven solutions available to property owners, managers and local authorities to maintain the value of their vacant properties while also adding to the social and commercial value of the communities where they have properties. The concept can also be applied to derelict properties that have been taken over by local authorities.”

Roundtable Seminar

Monoma Ireland in association with Irish Construction News will host a pivotal roundtable seminar at the Carlton Hotel Dublin

Airport between 12pm and 3pm on 28 September. It will include high-end discussions regarding transforming vacant premises, modular housing units suitable for multi-purpose, and creative use of space, all with the goal of creating affordable housing.

The roundtable event will be a platform to discuss successful case studies, financing options, and strategies to make such investments economically viable.

Management Of Buildings And Residents

Successful management of buildings and residents is crucial in transforming vacant properties into thriving urban spaces. This includes developing sustainable maintenance plans, managing utility services, establishing clear guidelines for residents, and fostering a sense of community within these spaces.

By collaborating and sharing experiences, housing professionals can collectively devise innovative management solutions that will ensure the long-term sustainability of revitalised properties.

The round table event presents a unique opportunity for contractors, developers, local authorities and other stakeholders to collectively address the issue of vacant properties in Ireland. By exploring the creative use of space, encouraging property investment and development, innovative housing solutions and discussing effective management strategies, we can reshape urban living and breathe new life into our communities.

Together, the construction industry, government bodies and finance agencies can create sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant urban spaces that will define the future of Ireland’s built environment.

Who Should Attend

Property managers, real estate agents, building contractors, approved housing bodies, government bodies and local authorities with a stake in addressing the housing crisis.

WHY ATTEND?

• Be part of an innovative solution to repurpose out-of-use building stock

• Get a return and protect your empty building stock

• Help address Ireland’s homeless challenges

Ticket price: €49, including table seat, lunch buffet and drinks; Limited number of places available

Register your interest for this critical round table event taking place between 12 PM and 3 PM on 28 September at Carlton Airport Hotel and find out more information on how we can pave the way for a more prosperous and thriving urban landscape in Ireland by visiting www.monoma.eu/en-ie/roundtable-ie or scan the QR code