A Cumbrian council wants to use new powers so it can bring empty high street buildings back into use.
Westmorland and Furness Council wants to introduce a pilot scheme for areas of Barrow, Kendal, Penrith and Ulverston to use High Street Rental Auctions, which allow authorities to step in and auction leases on long-term vacant commercial properties.
The pilot scheme will target buildings based on current and historic vacancy rates and potential to support thriving and vibrant town centres, it said.
People have just under two weeks left to make sure their views help shape the pilot project.
Its consultation will run until Tuesday April 7.
The council said it was seeking views and input from anybody with an interest in the pilot project on the areas proposed for the scheme, potential benefits or concerns and how the council can best support property owners and local businesses, social enterprises, cultural groups and organisations who may want a presence on the high street.
The areas proposed for the pilot scheme are:
- Barrow – Cavendish Street, Dalkeith Street, Dalton Road, Duke Street, Paxton Street, Portland Walk, Scott Street and William Street
- Kendal – Allhallows Lane, Branthwaite Brow, Elephant Yard, Finkle Street, Berry’s Yard, Highgate, Angel Yard, Library Road, Market Place, New Shambles, Stramongate, Stricklandgate, Blackhall Yard, Wainwrights Yard, Woolpack Yard and Smokehouse Yard.
- Penrith – Angel Lane, Angel Square, Bowling Green Lane, Brewery Lane, Burrowgate, Castlegate, Cornmarket, Devonshire Street, Great Dockray, King Street, Little Dockray, Market Square, Middlegate, Poets Walk, Princes Street, Queen Street, St. Andrews Churchyard, St. Andrews Square and St. Andrews View.
- Ulverston – Bolton’s Place, Brogden Street, County Square, Daltongate, King Street, Market Place, Market Street, New Market Street, Queen Street, Union Street and Upper Brook Street.
More than 100 responses have been gathered so far, it added and its Economic Development and Regeneration Team, which is running the pilot, was particularly keen to hear more views about the Barrow, Penrith and Ulverston areas, as well as areas outside the current pilot designation.
HSRAs require landlords to rent out persistently vacant commercial properties to new tenants such as local businesses or community groups.
They were introduced in December 2024 as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.
Premises are eligible for a High Street Rental Auction where it has been unoccupied continuously for 12 months, or for at least 366 days non-continuously within a 24-month period.
HSRA only enables the council to assign a lease on behalf of the landlord if no action is taken.
The landlord remains the legal owner of the property and landlords can still let their properties voluntarily.
Jonathan Brook, council leader and cabinet member for economy, said: “There is great potential for HSRAs to revitalise high streets, by ensuring empty shops are put to productive use.
“Of course, the preferred outcome is for landlords to let their premises voluntarily and hopefully our scheme will encourage this.
“Our pilot scheme will allow us to see the benefits of these new powers and decide whether to extend their use to other places.
“The first results from councils around the country are encouraging and we want this scheme to work well in Westmorland and Furness.
“That’s why your input is vital and I ask everybody with an interest to take part in our consultation. This will ensure we develop the best scheme for our area.”
Find out more about High Street Rental Auctions and take part in the survey at https://www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/business-support-and-regeneration/high-street-rental-auctions-consultation
