Have your say: Lambeth launches consultation on bold new powers to tackle empty shops
Lambeth Council has launched a public consultation on plans to use new powers to bring long-term empty shops back into use and revitalise the borough’s high streets.
The council is proposing to designate parts of Brixton, West Norwood and the New Park Road Triangle for High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) – a new power that allows councils to require landlords to rent out “persistently vacant” commercial properties.
The programme will see long-term empty units in these areas being auctioned to new tenants on leases of between one and five years, helping to reduce vacancy, support local entrepreneurs and bring fresh energy back to high streets.
Take part in the consultation here:
haveyoursay.lambeth.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/high-street-rental-auctions
Tackling long-term vacancy
Lambeth currently faces a ten-year-high retail vacancy rate of 26%, with Brixton among the most affected areas. Long-term empty units undermine confidence, reduce footfall and impact perceptions of safety and vitality, concerns consistently raised by the borough’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and community groups.
Lambeth’s HSRA programme aims to address these challenges by bringing vacant properties back into productive use. It forms part of Lambeth’s 10-Year Growth Plan and Night Time Economy Strategy, as well as supporting the ambitions of the London Growth Plan.
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.
Supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs
While demand for space in Lambeth remains strong, rising rents can limit access for local and underrepresented entrepreneurs. HSRAs provide a new mechanism to widen access to high street premises and support inclusive growth.
The council will prioritise proactive engagement with landlords and explore voluntary solutions before pursuing formal notice and auction proceedings. Through the programme, support will be provided to help prospective tenants navigate the auction process.
Lambeth will also work closely with local partners, including Business Improvement Districts, to maximise the impact of the programme.
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 programme is a practical step towards delivering the priorities of Lambeth’s Night Time Strategy on the ground in Brixton.
Charlotte Ashworth, BID manager for Station to Station, added:
- “We, as a BID, are delighted to be collaborating with Lambeth on this project to bring long vacant premises back into active use. Having new enterprises working out of these buildings helps both the organisations themselves and the businesses around them, attracting new custom and attracting new customers to the area — win-win all round.”
Funded support for delivery
As part of the Mayor of London’s work to support more mission-driven property management across the city’s high streets, Lambeth has received £50,000 from the Mayor of London and UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support the borough’s HSRA programme.
Have your say
The consultation on the proposed designations of Brixton, West Norwood and the New Park Road Triangle is now live and will run until 16 March 2026.
Residents, businesses and landlords are encouraged to share their views before any final decision is made.
Take part in the consultation: