What to do with warehouse space?

thriftybeatnik

Hi all.

Recently we took over a large 12,000 sq ft warehouse. We've taken advantage of as much space as we can opening a vintage shop (which now houses two other independent small businesses!), events venue as well as our online warehouse.

Our problem is that we have a lot of space spare. we're spread a little thin running the current stuff but I'm looking for ideas withwhat to do with the spare space. (And to be honest the venue has tired us out)

Issues with standard ideas as the spare space is towards the back.

Parking : The shop is at the front by the shutters so we cant really run cars through it.

Storage : Though possible the space at the back is open rather than separated up.

Other businesses: Generally I've found it hard to locate interested reliable parties. Is there a good site for that?

My ideas:

Garden centre : I used to be a florist BUT I'd feel the need to specialise. Probably I'd stick with perrenials and evergreens only.

Crazy Golf : I cant really drill into the floor so would have to use putting cups but we could make anything!

I'll keep thinking! x

paddyrg

Buy a load of clean containers and offer cheap self-storage for people? They bring their own padlock and have ground-level access. I'd love something like that, my office and my flat are all upsatirs but I have a load of flight cases I'm sick of hauling up narrow staircases!

You could also talk to local theatres offering set build and storage spaces. Couple of ideas :-)

paddyrg

Go-kart track? Go into co-ownership with someone with another go-kart facility wanting to expand - they can operate the facility and bring the expertise :-)

tommytynan123

Big cafe

Self storage

2nd hand furniture (they normally do well)

Hire to a theatre / arts group ?

Indoor sports area (local kids footy / cricket teams ?)

earthstorm

soft play
laser quest

thriftybeatnik

Awesome thanks everyone loads of good ideas there!

Aye, due to the awkward 'C' shape of the building, at the moment a cafe to tie in with the shop seems the best idea but I have little to no experience with catering though I am interested in vegetarian food

*gets hit in the face with a steak*

There are sinks and lavatories and everything we'd need but I'd probably have to get outside help. Not sure where I would advertise for that really [?]

Cheers x

COOLTRIKERCHICK

what you got to be careful with is your lease, does it state you can sub-let?? plus also check with your insurances, about the sub-lets, and how much would the insurance go up by if there is a caf! on the premises...

baxie

Are there any woodworkers or craftspeople in your area that would be interested in renting some space?

fluffpot

subletting must be the easiest thing - less work for you - but as others have said, check your lease first

Jonboy_1984

Pottery/craft studio? Clickncollect? Gym?

Tryingagainandagain

You say you are spread thin at the moment so something run by someone else could be better for you - renting out small crafting units could be an idea.

If you go for the caf!, you could rent the space out to someone who wants to open their own caf!. That way they would have to deal with hygiene inspectors/equipment suppliers/sourcing food etc. You could offer a reasonable lease and then review the situation in a few years time if you are less busy.