Conditional offer for Kingsmill's building made by local non-profits

A group of non-profit organizations has proposed a conditional offer for the Kingsmill's Department Store building in the heart of downtown London.

The space at 130 Dundas Street is intended to be used as a Social Innovation Shared Space, where "non-profits, social enterprises, social purpose businesses and entrepreneurs will co-work and incubate new ideas to create social change."

The offer involves a collaboration between the Pillar Nonprofit Network, Emerging Leaders, London Arts Council and London Heritage Council, in tandem with a feasibility study funded by the London Community Foundation.

Michelle Baldwin, executive director at Pillar, said in a statement “Our research indicates a large demand for the space and confirms it is a highly-viable opportunity for social innovators...The Kingsmill’s location represents a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to work together to redefine London from its very core, yet continue the legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship created by the Kingsmill family.”

And the group is already looking for tenants.

The London Arts Council and the London Heritage Council will co-host an information session for potential arts and heritage tenants on December 3rd from 4-6 p.m. at the Stevenson & Hunt room in the Central Library. Attendees are asked to pre-register.

Pillar will host two permanent tenant meetings on December 10th at 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., with both meetings including a tour. For more information you can email: [e-mail]

The plan comes following 10 months of research by Pillar and Emerging Leaders, which included community consultation, business modelling, real estate reviews, proof of concept, tenant letters of intent and financing.

The group says that innovation hubs are a global trend, with 1,320 established globally in 2012, up 88 per cent from 2011.

The London Social Innovation Shared Space is expected to open in October 2014.