Westmorland and Furness Council is planning to use new powers from government to get unused buildings back into productive use, bringing energy, enterprise, and footfall back to our town centres.
High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) allow councils to step in and auction leases on long-term vacant commercial properties.
The council is proposing designated areas of Barrow, Kendal, Penrith and Ulverston for a pilot scheme for HSRAs, based on their current and historic vacancy rates and potential to support thriving and vibrant town centres.
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
A consultation launched today (Monday 16 January) is asking anybody with an interest in the pilot project for their views on the areas proposed for Westmorland and Furness’s HSRA designation, potential benefits or concerns and how the council can best support property owners and local businesses, social enterprises, cultural groups and organisations how may want a presence on our high streets.
Councillor Jonathan Brook, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy, said: "We have a wide range of high streets across our area, from larger towns to smaller rural communities. All are important to us, and all play a key part in our strong and unique offer for residents and visitors alike.
“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.
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.
Find out more about High Street Rental Auctions and take part in the survey.