Approaches to reuse vacant, obsolete or underutilised spaces

Overview

Funding for projects that develop systematic, context-sensitive approaches to reuse vacant, obsolete, or underutilized spaces in neighborhoods, addressing local community challenges while integrating circularity and sufficiency principles. Targets local authorities, researchers, and stakeholders working on urban, peri-urban, and rural revitalization.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of organizations, including local authorities, research institutions, NGOs, and private entities, from eligible EU Member States and Associated Countries. Social sciences and humanities (SSH) expertise must be included.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €6,300,000
• Funding rate: Not specified (lump-sum model)
• At least 0.8% of the budget must be allocated to engage with the Horizon Europe-funded "New European Bauhaus hub for results and impact."

What Is Funded

• Development of systematic approaches to identify, prioritize, and reuse vacant, obsolete, or underutilized spaces (e.g., buildings, infrastructure).
• Analysis of drivers behind vacancy/underutilization and assessment of local community needs.
• Co-creation methods to engage stakeholders in reuse processes.
• Validation of the approach in at least three neighborhoods (urban, peri-urban, rural) across different countries.
• Funding and financing mechanisms to support space reuse.
• Assessment of social, cultural, environmental, and economic impacts.
• Recommendations for adapting the approach to diverse neighborhood contexts.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4–6.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-05-04
• Deadline: 2026-11-30

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Horizon Europe Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must adhere to page limits and formats outlined in the call documentation.

Post-Award Obligations

• Engagement with the "New European Bauhaus hub for results and impact" to share findings and contribute to impact assessment.
• Reporting and dissemination requirements as per Horizon Europe guidelines.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Projects must follow a participatory and transdisciplinary approach.
• Spaces already serving ecological or social functions must be addressed with governance and regulatory measures.
• Proposals must account for potential side effects of reuse (e.g., gentrification, displacement, affordability).