FOR landlords and developers

Turning underperforming space into high-performing Assets.

The Challenge

Empty units and tired hospitality spaces weaken asset performance. They reduce footfall, drag down rental yields, and create negative perception across a wider estate. In a market where retail alone no longer drives activity, landlords need operators who can deliver destinations that perform commercially and elevate the value of surrounding holdings.

But most national operators focus on big cities. Meanwhile, many independents lack the capability to run multi-tenanted venues at scale. The result is stalled projects, long voids and assets that fail to reach their potential.

Our Solution

Urban Collective activates underused buildings, retail units and hospitality spaces by turning them into lively, independent-led food halls and hybrid venues. These destinations become anchor attractions that increase footfall, extend dwell time and strengthen the economic performance of the entire asset.

Our model is built around:

  • Multi-stream revenue: bar operations, vendor turnover rents, fixed rents and events

  • High footfall drivers: independent food, flexible retail, co-working and cultural activity

  • Curated tenant ecosystems: operators selected to fit local demand and strengthen your estate

  • Commercial resilience: formats that evolve with the building, not one-size-fits-all concepts

The outcome is simple: your building performs better, and so does everything around it.

What we deliver for Landlords and Developers:

Increase asset value: Experience-led anchors lift ERV, reduce voids and improve yields across surrounding units.

Create sustainable revenue: Our venues deliver stable, diversified income streams with strong year-round trading patterns.

Reduce landlord exposure: Deliver spaces which pay full service charges and business rates liabilities, limiting void costs.

Improve perception and footfall across the estate: We create reasons for people to visit, stay longer and return regularly.

Professional operatorship: We bring the delivery standards and operational maturity of national brands, with the flexibility and authenticity of independent-led venues.

Why Urban Collective?

Proven operators, not just advisors

Our team have delivered and run some of the UK’s most successful food halls and market destinations, from Market Halls to Crewe Market Hall and Doncaster Wool Market. We understand the operational detail that drives revenue, efficiency and long-term performance.

Embedded insight through our consultancy arm

Through Next Phase, we have visibility of projects and sites nationwide. This gives us a pipeline of viable opportunities and a detailed understanding of what landlords and local authorities need to unlock value.

Flexible partnership models

We work within the structures that suit your asset and strategy, including:

  • Leasehold – full operational responsibility under a commercial lease

  • Management agreements – we operate the venue on your behalf

  • Joint ventures – shared investment and shared returns

A track record of activating complex assets

Shopping centres, historic markets, large shells, hospitality shells, mixed-use estates – we specialise in complex buildings that require experienced operators rather than simple tenants.

We tailor every project to place

No roll-outs, no copy-and-paste concepts. Each venue is designed around the building, the community and the local economy.

We derisk delivery

From feasibility through to operation, we bring expertise, proven systems and a deep understanding of how to make complex assets succeed long term.

Ready to activate your Asset?

If you’re exploring options for a vacant unit, a stalled hospitality space or an underperforming building, we’d be happy to discuss how a curated, experience-led venue can enhance the value of your asset.