CADO maps neglected buildings, connects local campaigns working to bring them back into use, and works to remove the barriers holding back community-led rescue.
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 everyone has an idea for.
In dozens of places across Britain, people have stopped waiting for the owners of empty buildings to do something, and sorted it themselves. They’ve pushed councils to use powers they’d forgotten they had – and they’ve used new powers that many communities don’t yet know they have. And they have hustled: raising money, taking ownership, renovating, and re-opening.
As more and more communities join these efforts, we’re adding our weight to the movement. With people’s help, we’re counting for the first time how many buildings still need to be rescued – and mapping them. And we’re working with communities to help clear any remaining barriers.
The Millennium, Plymouth
Empty for 16 years
Bought by the community, 2020
The Observer Building, Hastings
Empty for 34 years
Now community-owned and reopening
The Clipper, Plymouth
Empty for four years
Now a café, market and two homes
Mapping. We’re crowdsourcing a national map of buildings that are empty and stuck.
Connecting. There is strength in numbers, so we’re connecting people. Swapping tips, learning from success stories, finding out about your rights, and just supporting each other.
Sharing what works. How to find an owner. Which council powers actually bite. What a valuation costs and how to fund one. What to do when the local Facebook group turns on you.
Clearing barriers. When people keep hitting the same barrier, it’s not an accident. We’re gathering evidence from campaigns and taking it to the people with the power to do something.
The map goes live later this year – and we’ll need your help!
If there’s a building in your area that seems stuck and empty or under-used, be ready to share it – when the map goes live, we’d love to hear about it.
When the time comes, add a building. Tell us where they are, and what you know about their ownership and history.
Tell us what you’re up against. Have you been trying to save a building? What is stopping you? We want to know what’s working – and what’s blocking you.
Keep in touch. Join the mailing list to stay in touch with campaign news – and to be the first to know when the map goes live.