Meanwhile Space
Transforming vacant properties into affordable, productive community spaces.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
* | £150k | Debt | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
| GBP | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 |
| % growth | 505 % | 90 % | (9 %) | - | - | - | (39 %) |
| EBITDA | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 |
| % EBITDA margin | 13 % | 9 % | 8 % | - | - | - | - |
| Profit | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 |
| % profit margin | 10 % | 7 % | 6 % | - | - | 61 % | - |
| EV | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 |
| EV / revenue | 00.0x | 00.0x | 00.0x | 00.0x | 00.0x | 00.0x | 00.0x |
| EV / EBITDA | 00.0x | 00.0x | 00.0x | 00.0x | 00.0x | 00.0x | 00.0x |
| R&D budget | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 |
Source: Company filings or news article
Meanwhile Space C.I.C. is a social enterprise that revitalizes underused and vacant commercial properties by converting them into affordable, functional spaces for community groups, startups, and social enterprises. Founded in 2009 by Emily Berwyn and Eddie Bridgeman, the organization pioneered the 'meanwhile use' concept in the UK to combat urban blight and provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The founders established the company to make temporarily redundant buildings productive assets instead of local eyesores, fostering community cohesion and enterprise.
The company operates as a Community Interest Company (C.I.C.), securing vacant properties from landlords and acting as an intermediary leaseholder. This model significantly lowers the financial risks and startup costs for its tenants, which include a diverse range of micro-enterprises, artists, and community-focused initiatives. Tenants are offered flexible, 'easy-in, easy-out' lease terms. Revenue is primarily generated from the affordable rents paid by tenants, which accounts for about 95% of income, supplemented by consultancy fees for feasibility studies and urban design strategies. By activating these spaces, Meanwhile Space benefits property owners through active occupation and reduced costs, while providing local communities with new services and reducing anti-social behavior.
Over its history, Meanwhile Space has supported over 900 tenants and enabled the creation of hundreds of jobs in often-deprived areas. The organization has a significant track record across numerous London Boroughs and other UK locations, working with local authorities and communities to maximize impact. Their projects have received numerous awards and recognitions for design, regeneration, and community impact, including the New London Awards Community prize in 2021 and a Civic Trust Awards commendation in 2024.
Keywords: meanwhile use, urban regeneration, vacant property, social enterprise, community interest company, affordable workspace, placemaking, community hubs, pop-up shops, intermediary leaseholder, flexible workspace, startup incubator, local enterprise, urban blight, property guardianship, temporary use, community development, creative space, small business support, high street revitalization