This paper presents reflections and findings of early-stage research using a co-design methodology to develop the Sustainable Temporary Adaptive Reuse (STAR) Toolkit, supported by a City of Sydney (COS) Knowledge Exchange Grant (2022-2025).

Temporary adaptive reuse is an economic renewal policy mechanism to address vacancy, and an asset management technique to maximise space in underused commercial buildings. Temporary reuse connects with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 11;  inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements. Resilience enables society to adapt to foreseen inevitable change while maintaining system functioning. Resilience thinking challenges 'business as usual', in terms of co-production of knowledge, network building across sectors, and innovative thinking in addressing complex urban problems.

Temporary-use is a focus for urban planning policy at local government level, and in the NSW State Government Inquiry 'Options to improve access to existing and alternate accommodation to address the social housing shortage'.  This Inquiry investigates; options to better support 'meanwhile use' and current planning barriers to 'meanwhile use'.

Adaptive reuse reduces obsolescence in existing buildings whose current use is no longer in demand due to economic change and shifts in social behaviours or end-user expectations. Owner motivations for temporary adaptive reuse of offices include enhancing or maintaining property value, securing premises through regular use, preventing decay from inactivity, reducing running costs, and improving marketability. From an end user's perspective, such as the creative arts and emergency housing providers, motivations include a shortage of fit-for-purpose space. Adaptive work can be minimal if a proposed use is compatible with a building's existing structure, performance or end-user expectations. Factors affecting the viability of conversion include economic, environmental, social, and legislative, and aesthetic judgements.