Brixton, one of the High Streets that could be included in the pilot scheme (photo: Getty Images)
The council, in partnership with The Mayor of London, is planning to use sweeping powers giving business and communities the ‘right to rent’ units left empty properties vacant for more than a year, in three specified areas of Lambeth.
The ambitious pilot scheme could see long term empty units auctioned off to the highest bidder that meet council-set criteria – on leases of between one and five years – in Brixton, West Norwood, and New Park Road in Clapham.
Lambeth is one of only two councils in London to be awarded a grant from the Greater London Authority (GLA) to pilot the national High Street Rental Auction (HRSA) scheme. The government-led policy aims to revitalise town centres and high streets by reactivating unused buildings – and enabling councils to help landlords tackle any problems that have made it difficult to let their commercial properties.
The proposed designations of Brixton, West Norwood, and New Park Road must be published for public consultation for at least 28 days.
Word from the Cabinet
Cllr Marcia Cameron, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, said: “Local shopping streets are the heartbeats of our communities, and the council is committed to doing everything it can to make sure they are thriving and attractive places to do business.
“We are determined to collaborate with landlords to help them bring empty shop units back into use, for everyone’s benefit. But HSRAs could be very useful in kick-starting growth, and we will not hesitate to use these auctions to force changes that will revitalise our High Streets.”
A new report setting out the plans this week said Lambeth faces a ten-year-high retail vacancy rate of 26%, with Brixton most affected. The one-year pilot scheme addresses these vacancy rates and is “a valuable new tool for supporting economic growth and revitalising high streets by bringing long-term vacant properties back into productive use”. This is delivering on Lambeth’s 10-year Growth Plan, and Night Time Economy Strategy, as well as the London Growth Plan, which recognise the importance of vibrant neighbourhoods and town centres for economic growth.
The report added: “Long-term empty units undermine confidence and vitality, as consistently reported by all seven of our Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and local community groups.
“While demand for space is strong … rising rents limit access for local and underrepresented entrepreneurs. HSRA provides a timely mechanism to address persistent vacancy across different high-street contexts and to widen access in line with our inclusive growth plan.”
Lambeth’s proposal identifies HSRAs as a ground-breaking opportunity for local businesses, entrepreneurs and voluntary organisations looking to grow their business on the High Street. The council will prioritise proactive engagement with landlords and explore alternative solutions before pursuing formal notice and initiating auction proceedings. Support will be provided through the pilot to guide prospective tenants through the process.
Lambeth will partner with local organisations, such as Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), to engage with landlords and marketing to potential tenants to maximise the outcomes of the pilot.
Gianluca Rizzo, Managing Director of Brixton BID said: “We’re looking forward to working with Lambeth to use these new powers to unlock the potential of vacant spaces across Brixton. We want to see empty units brought back into use in ways that reflect Brixton’s unique character and support our night-time economy and Brixton as a unique destination. This pilot is a practical step towards delivering the priorities of Lambeth’s Night Time Strategy on the ground in Brixton.”
