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The Creating Excellence Briefing - Live Work Network
Page: 2/6Getting information on live/work
Today more and more housing associations and private developers are looking seriously at
live/work. Yet it remains a slightly mysterious concept. Few lessons are being learnt from other providers and
schemes differ enormously. For this reason we established the
Live Work Network, a national network of live/work providers
that helps provide everyone with an interest in the subject, from developers to planners and economic
development agencies with fast track information.
Notably the network was established by a largely south west based team, many of whom have direct experience of running home based businesses. The website is provided by Penzance web developers Altcom Ltd, and a whole team of researchers, photographers and administrators run the operation from Cornwall. Plans are now being considered to extend the network to Europe and the USA
The Network's first national conference, held at BT's London HQ, saw the Government's director of sustainable communities Richard McCarthy call for proposals to make planning guidance more explicit in its support for live/work. In return live/work developers are to be expected to agree (on large enough sites) to a proportion of affordable units for start up businesses and graduates and projects to support business networking and track work use.
The Live Work Network is now running an ODPM supported project to advise local authorities on how to develop local planning policies to support live/work and home working effectively. Carrick district council was the first pilot authority to join the scheme. Others that are interested can contact us to find out more email office@liveworknet.com
What is 'live/work'?
We see live/work as property that is specifically designed for dual use - a combination of residential and employment space. It often requires a mixture of residential and business rates. There are many ways that this can be achieved, but this is the common factor. Home working in property designed solely for residential use does not come under our definition, though there are obviously overlaps
Why live/work now?
Why is the live/work phenomenon gathering pace? The main answer is simple: it is cheaper to run one property than two. At a time of high house prices and office/premises costs, live/work property has an inevitable appeal. Another factor is convenience. As commuting has become more and more stressful and a waste of valuable time to a generation that treats time very seriously, not having to 'go to work' can be very attractive. And it can save money.
The third major factor driving live/work is technology. Advances in IT and broadband telecommunications have made the need for a separate office or studio less important. Countless work tasks - skilled, administrative and creative - no longer require old fashioned bulky equipment or support staff. So much can be done relatively cheaply on a computer - building design, photo development, conferencing, music production, remote IT support, book keeping, ticket sales etc.
Those are the appeals to the live/workers. What about the providers and funders of live/work? They see a number of potential appeals:
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