...the first thought was sound system in the corner, platform over there, what a great place for a rave.
But it's also got enough passing walking traffic for a cafe or restaurant or something. It's a really great location.
Anyone got any ideas about, or experience with, setting up a worker's co-op and somehow leasing or buying the property? Basically a project to try and create some kind of shelter from capitalism, in the most equal way possible, for a few committed people?
There are so many opportunities for outreach in this location: kids + parents walking to school in the mornings, sports teams, hikers, cyclists, runners, theater types occasionally...
Gather some like minds first, so you can coordinate in case a shitty developer comes along and tries to swipe it from you (seen it happen before).
Figure out what your short, medium, and long term goals are with the property. What kind of financing do you need to make that happen? There are all kinds of grants available for opportunity zones, rehabilitation of older buildings, etc. that you might be able to apply for.
Then look up the zoning. That'll tell you what kind of land uses are allowed—if it's a warehouse it's probably manufacturing and a lot of other stuff—and other rules for the site like parking, landscaping, etc. This will give you a good sense of your parameters but don't forget you can request to rezone the property if you think you'll need it.
I would think about starting a community development corporation, or CDC. Having that entity can allow you to get affordable housing funds from local government. A community land trust might also be a good idea.
These are all potentially daunting structural tasks but can help immensely towards affordability and long term securement of the property. There are plenty of experts out there too that can help make it happen. PM me if you want more direct help. I can point you to resources.
quality post thanks for taking the time. You're absolutely right to say that there could be local rural regeneration funds available. Who get these funds is a whole other story.