CADO is a new group effort to save neglected buildings. We’re mapping empty buildings, connecting local campaigns to save them, and removing any remaining policy barriers.
What’s happening?
We all know a building that seems stuck. The old cinema that’s been empty for a decade, the shuttered pub with plants growing from the gutter, the former library that has become an eyesore.
All across Britain, communities have been fighting to rescue buildings like these, bringing them back into use. They’ve pushed councils to use powers they’d forgotten they had – and used new powers that many communities don’t yet know they have. And they’ve hustled: raising money, negotiating ownership, renovating, and re-opening.
As more people join these efforts, CADO is helping this work to reach a tipping point. With people’s help, we’re mapping and counting these buildings. We’re linking up local campaigns for strength in numbers. And we’re pressing government to remove any remaining barriers.
Success stories
The Millennium, Plymouth
Empty for 16 years
Bought by the community, 2020
The Observer Building, Hastings
Empty for 34 years
Now community-owned
Stretford Public Hall, Greater Manchester
Empty and facing sale, 2014
Community-owned since 2015
What we’ll be doing
Mapping. We’re going to crowdsource a national map of buildings that are empty and stuck. Where are these buildings? And how many are there in total?
Connecting. There’s strength in numbers, so we’re linking local campaigns together. Helping people to swap tips, learn from success stories, understand their rights, and support each other.
Sharing practice. How do you trace an absentee owner? How do you persuade a council to use a Compulsory Purchase Order? What does a valuation cost and how can I fund one?
Clearing barriers. When people keep hitting the same barrier, it’s not an accident. We’re gathering evidence from local campaigns and taking it to people who have the power to do something.
Join the effort
Are you part of a local campaign to save a building? Or have you just noticed a building in your area that seems stuck and empty or under-used? Join our mailing list to become part of the community. When the map goes live, we’d love to hear from you!