Preparation of guidelines concerning the temporary use of municipal-owned properties

We propose that the municipality take steps to draw up guidelines for the temporary use of municipally owned properties. Based on these guidelines, properties can be utilised while they remain vacant, before their next intended use.

At present, the municipality owns many vacant properties, which incur ongoing maintenance costs for the municipality without any return. Old properties fall into disrepair when they are not used and not maintained. Vacant properties tend to create a negative image of the municipality, where property and finances are not taken care of. Vacant properties are conducive to disruptive behaviour and vandalism when there is no supervision of the areas or buildings.

As a solution for the utilisation and maintenance of real estate assets, while also supporting vitality, community spirit and entrepreneurship, it would be important to make use of empty spaces. Even if not for permanent use, then at least temporarily.

Supporting the temporary use of areas gives the municipality a vibrant, innovative and entrepreneur-friendly image, which can enable new activities, services and leisure opportunities for residents. In practice, it can also be a way of maintaining areas or buildings in use. Temporary use has been recognised as promoting social and economic development as well as cultural activities. In addition, temporary activities provide space for experimentation and innovation and can also promote the diversity and vitality of an area or space.

The operating model for temporary use of premises can be planned together with local residents or the organisations representing them. Participatory planning gives different stakeholders the opportunity to influence the planning and thus the construction of the environment.

Temporary use creates opportunities for experimentation precisely because of its temporary nature. Possible actors could include associations, companies and the fourth sector.

Measures could include, for example:

1) Survey. Which premises and areas are suitable for temporary use?

2) Drawing up guidelines for temporary use, including terms and conditions and rules (e.g. cost sharing, responsibilities and obligations, insurance, etc.) and selection criteria for operators.

3) Selection of operators and drafting of agreements. Once the premises have been put into use, it is advisable for the municipality to maintain cooperation and dialogue regarding the use of the premises, their future and possible further development.

At its meeting on 6 October 2025, § 177, the council approved the principles for processing council initiatives from 1 November 2025 onwards. In accordance with these principles, the municipal executive committee will process the submitted initiatives after each council meeting, assign responsibility for their preparation to the relevant department and set a six-month deadline for their preparation, during which time the council initiative must be resubmitted to the municipal executive committee for processing.

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