Creating community-connected spaces that add social value

The modern commercial building is evolving beyond its traditional role as a mere workplace or investment asset. Today's tenants expect their building to serve as a gateway to the surrounding community and a facilitator of experiences that extend well beyond the property line.

This community-centric approach represents a significant shift in how commercial landlords must position their assets. Rather than marketing buildings solely on their physical attributes (square footage, location, amenities), forward-thinking landlords are highlighting how their properties connect to and enhance the wider neighbourhood ecosystem.

Some notable ways buildings are becoming community hubs include:

• Local business partnerships: Creating formal relationships with nearby cafés, restaurants, and wellness providers to offer tenant discounts and exclusive access
• Community programming: Hosting events that bring together tenants and local community members, from farmers' markets to educational seminars
• Shared public-private spaces: Developing ground-floor areas that serve both building tenants and the general public, creating natural interaction points
• Neighbourhood integration: Designing buildings that visually and functionally connect to their surroundings rather than standing apart

While community features and digital tools certainly enhance tenant experiences, they must ultimately deliver tangible business benefits to justify the investment. Fortunately, the case for technology-enabled community engagement is compelling:

1. Tenant retention and reduced vacancy

Buildings with strong community connections and digital tools consistently demonstrate improved tenant retention compared to properties lacking these features. In high-value markets, reducing vacancy by even a few percentage points can translate to hundreds of thousands of pounds in preserved revenue annually.

A commercial building app serves multiple purposes beyond just controlling building systems:

• Restaurant bookings: Tenants can view real-time availability and make reservations at local restaurants directly through the app, often with exclusive discounts
• Event discovery: The app highlights educational seminars, networking opportunities, and cultural events happening in the neighbourhood
• Wellness integration: From yoga classes to meditation sessions, tenants can discover and book wellness experiences within walking distance
• Local retail partnerships: Special offers and loyalty programs with nearby shops and service providers, accessible exclusively through the building app
• Public transportation: Real-time updates on nearby public transport options, including any disruptions or delays
• Community news: Updates on local developments, construction projects, and other neighbourhood changes that might affect tenants

Location requirements:

The effectiveness of community engagement features depends heavily on your property's surroundings. These tools deliver maximum value in well-connected urban or suburban locations with diverse amenities nearby. Conversely, they offer less impact for isolated properties with limited community resources in the vicinity.

Integration capabilities:

Technical compatibility is crucial for long-term success. Your chosen solution should connect seamlessly with existing building systems where possible and offer API flexibility for future expansion of features. Compatibility with major tenant enterprise systems will ensure broader adoption and satisfaction among corporate occupiers.

User experience:

The human element remains paramount in technology adoption. Intuitive, friction-free interfaces are essential for tenant acceptance and continued use. Plan for regular updates based on tenant feedback and usage patterns, and ensure accessibility across multiple device types including mobile, tablet, and desktop platforms.

For landlords ready to embrace community engagement and digital transformation, several practical first steps can pave the way:

1. Audit your current community connections: Map local business partnerships, survey tenant preferences, and identify nearby community assets.

2. Explore PropTech options: Research building app providers, request community-focused demos, and consider pilot programmes.

3. Develop your building's unique identity: Create a distinctive community narrative highlighting architectural or cultural connections.

4. Evaluate IBMS platforms: Check compatibility with existing systems, prioritize open architecture, and consider scalability.

5. Calculate ROI projections: Model tenant retention improvements, potential rental premiums, and operational savings.