Vacant and disused spaces are a common sight in our communities. What if these places could become catalysts for positive, community-led change?

Submitted as part of the RSA Spark 2022 programme, Imagined Spaces is a community-led organisation dedicated to helping people reimagine and reclaim the potential of derelict and underused spaces in their area. By working closely with local residents, grassroots groups, and key stakeholders, the initiative seeks to inspire and empower local communities to transform overlooked places into vibrant assets, while agitating landowners and councils to act.

As part of the research we conducted our key findings were:

• 72% Of derelict properties can be brought back into use while adhering to building regulations.

• 4/5 People notice derelict buildings daily in their community.

• 100% of people who participated in the survey expressed negative feelings towards derelict space in their communities.

• Current Irish legislation if enforced, has the potential to bring significant benefits to the issue of derelict properties.

Key findings are credited to Anois Design Agency alongside insights from a public survey conducted with Joe Crossen