meanwhile; in the meantime; meanwhile, elsewhere
Set phrase used to shift the scene or topic to another place or situation, similar to 'meanwhile, in another place...' or 'switching scenes to...'. Often used in storytelling or narration.
See also: 話変わって (はなしかわって)
Meanwhile, at the Tokyo office, the employees were preparing for the meeting.
Switching scenes, here we are in a small village in Hokkaido.
Kana spelling is common and avoids potential misreading of 所.
From 所 (place) + 変わる (to change) in the te-form, literally 'the place changing'. The exact origin as a set phrase is uncertain, but it is a natural narrative device.