A council say they are ‘leading the way’ their approach to tackling the problem of long-term empty shops as one of the early adopters of the High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) powers.
Bassetlaw District Council council has been working with landlords, agents and businesses to understand the barriers to occupancy, the current retail and hospitality market and what drives investment into High Streets.
This collaborative approach has already paid off with vacancy rates falling since high streets were designated in March. In Retford it’s dropped from 8.16% to 5.78% and from 11.48% to 9.84% in Harworth and Bircotes, while in Worksop it’s remained level at 19.20% with shops closed counterbalanced by new shops opening.
Since work began on the HSRA, 23 shops across the district have been let or are currently under offer. In addition, several long-term vacant properties in Worksop have recently been brought back to the market.
Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity, Planning and Place said: “We are encouraged by the positive outcomes of our HSRA approach, which prioritises building trust and transparency with landlords and agents before considering any formal action.”
“By working closely with them, we’ve been able to address market challenges head-on, assist in quickly supporting prospective tenants with available properties and offer additional support with grants for fit outs incentivising businesses to invest in our high streets.”
HSRA provides a new power for local authorities to require landlords to rent out commercial properties unoccupied continuously for 12 months or for at least 366 days within a 24-month period to new tenants, such as local businesses or community groups.
“We’ve been able to address market challenges head-on” – Cllr Steve Scotthorne
The council is viewing it as a last resort, only where all voluntary routes have been exhausted and has been giving wider support to 14 local authorities across the UK sharing best practice.
The council has also been supporting specific types of businesses underrepresented on the high streets with shop fit out grants of up to £20k to take on empty premises, providing wrap around support to new businesses as well as supporting and retaining existing businesses. These fit out grants have been supported by £100k from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) from funding provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The council’s efforts have been praised by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as an example of best practice for its work focused on relationship building rather than enforcement, aligning HSRA work with the Council’s wider town centre investment strategy including the introduction of shop fit out grants, business support and place marketing work through the ‘Discover’ campaigns.
Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh, said:“By bringing landlords, businesses and communities together, Bassetlaw District Council is showing how High Street Rental Auction powers can transform towns.
“This collaborative approach is delivering real results in bringing vacancy rates down and reopening shops that have sat unoccupied for far too long.
“This is exactly the kind of proactive, partnership-driven work that’ll breathe new life into high streets across the country.”
To find out about the HRSA designated areas visit www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/HSRA/ or for more information on support available to high street businesses visit www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/support-and-advice-for-businesses
