Half an idea

There's a charitable spirit around, with at least some big businesses handing back Covid business rate relief.

Could the businesses that have actually improved their bottom lines during the pandemic do more ?  Here's half an idea. Nobody's rushing to take the physical remains of Debenhams - the 100 leases and the odd freeholds of some generous spaces in the centres of cities, big towns and towns. 

A new charity could operate them quickly, with activities designed to increase footfall and fun in the heart of struggling shopping areas. Please, no local council involvement. Co-operation, yes, but there's no record of a council making this sort of thing happen successfully.

First, creches and nurseries that sell time by the hour, half-day and whole day only - no block booking. Upper floors, please, using the goods lift for prams. 

Ground floor - safe, dry bike storage; community cycle repair and hire. Indoor enterprise markets, with a ban on the stuff of charity shops; a click and collect area for Amazon, Yodel, Hermes etc. 

Internet cafes for the 21st Century; training rooms; space for youth clubs plus 'milk bars'; basic gym stuff, and leasable rooms for yoga, zumba etc. New theatre and performance spaces, to bring people 'in', during the afternoons and evenings. Any space left ?  Subsidised student accommodation. 

To encourage people to arrive on foot, Amazon, Yodel, Hermes, etc could use 1% of their increased turnover to operate free comfortable electric bus services on previously unserved routes to and from Post Covid Debenhams...