Industrial buildings turned into living spaces to meet rental demand

17:02:20 17th February 2010

Vacant industrial buildings are being transformed into creative living spaces as the demand for rental properties exceeds supply, it has been reported.

The Independent states that enquiries for rental properties increased by 94 per cent in the last month.

In response to the increasing demand, creative landlords are now seeking disused industrial buildings or office spaces to create alternative living areas, states the news provider.

"Abandoned, cheap industrial buildings were turned first into arty, bohemian spaces, then became yuppified real estate, before finally winding up as luxe living choices for the seriously rich," it states.

Ruth Evans rents a converted office flat in London with three others, telling the news provider that the building previously belonged to an architect, clothing company and magazine.

"It's really cheap, I only pay £385 a month," she said.

Meanwhile, an historic industrial building site in Northern Ireland has been "spot listed" by the Department of the Environment (DoE), protecting it from possible demolition.

The former Liddells Mill complex in Donaghcloney is the oldest industrial site in the area, dating back to the 18th century.