GOT AN IDEA FOR PORIRUA?

Got an idea for Porirua’s inner city? Want to make your locally produced activity or community group activity more visible? We want to hear from you. Can we rethink the city’s centre as a living space through your innovative idea?  We are looking for projects that build community in Porirua City. 

         Imaginarium, Readings Cinema complex, Courtenay Place

         Imaginarium, Readings Cinema complex, Courtenay Place

  • Read our criteria below.

  • Discover how it works below.

  • Contact us with an enquiry to help develop your  project at lettingspace@gmail.com

  • Apply using the online application form.   

UDB Criteria

Projects may be of any duration but must be created either by Porirua based groups and individuals or with significant community collaboration. 

Projects should:

  • Be open to the public - accessible and visible, reflecting Porirua's diversity increasing a sense of community in the city.
  • Provide the unique and innovative. We are not interested in projects that already exist in the city centre, or are one type of space or gallery. Contribute to new thinking about the Porirua CBD - how is your project different to what is already in existence.

Individuals/organisations need to demonstrate they are ready to look after a space responsibly. We need to have confidence you are ready to take on a space. Let us know the experience of your people.

Representation: We are committed to increasing the visibility of mana whenua in the city and ensuring the city better reflects the diversity of its people. Consider how your project represents these elements.

Projects that involve relocating from an existing rented commercial space are not eligible. We do not want to undermine existing businesses and tenancies. Rather, we prioritise new projects and initiatives.

We welcome emerging business proposals that find innovative ways to engage with the public. These must involve the production and sale of original work or services made or created here. Applicants may like to consider ways they can engage the public in the creative process, discussion or in relationship with what they are creating.

We are also interested in community group, arts and social agency projects that open out activity to the view and participation (through workshop, performance and activity models) of the public. You should consider how you might open out your activity to wider and different participation that makes it more engaging and visible to the city.

 

How it works

Urban Dream Brokerage help find a space for approved projects, negotiates its use, organise a license (see below), cover public liability insurance and can provide a modest grant to cover some expenses of being in the space - power, repairs and cleaning for example.

The Application Process

  1. Criteria: Individuals or organisations first must be satisfied they meet the criteria above for application.

  2. Submission: Applicants fill out a submission form available to enter online here. Applicants can contact Mark Amery at lettingspace@gmail.com or phone 027 3566 128 to discuss.

  3. Assessment: The applications are assessed by Letting Space, and we will let you know if your application is approved - this does not guarantee you that we can find you a space .

  4. Location: If not already found, UDB proceeds to locate property options and commence negotiations. If we think a project is suitable for a space that is available we meet with the applicant and assess the project in more detail.

  5. Licensing: Once located UDB issues the licenses and arranges for public liability insurance cover (a key part of the brokerage's services to applicants) and assists applicants to obtain power and other utilities.

  6. Monitoring: Letting Space then monitors the progress, and reports back to both property owners and partners at the end of the license. We will also feature applicants' projects on our website, and through social media. Projects that aren't temporary should plan on operating on a rolling 30 day period of use.

Licensing

Licenses for properties are negotiated on a rent-free basis, either for a prescribed period of a few weeks or months, or on a rolling license that gives either a party the ability to give the other 30 days notice. The temporary license (developed in partnership with major property owners)  provides that the licensee:                         

  • covers the cost of power and utilities,

  • obtains through UBD public liability insurance,

  • And takes the property on a "as is where is basis".

Property managers or owners interested in having their property listed with UBD should contact us and we will be in touch to discuss further the options for your building.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The UDB provides to both occupiers and property owners:

-brokerage of a temporary license

-Public Liability Insurance for the building site up to $5 000 000

-Cover for minor damage up to $400

Licensees will also be liable for power and other utilities, but we are able to assist with modest expenses.

All agreements have reviews built into them. If a licensee starts a business that ends up turning over good money we’d gradually expect them to start paying closer to a commercial rent to the property owners when they can afford to. This is something we'd assist in the negotiation of. With ongoing projects, our aim is to nurture them so they eventually don’t need support.