New powers to revitalise vacant buildings in Westmorland and Furness
Council plans pilot scheme to boost town centre energy and enterprise
High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) have been introduced in Westmorland and Furness, aiming to breathe new life into long-term vacant commercial properties.
The council seeks to auction leases on properties that have been empty for over a year in designated areas of Barrow, Kendal, Penrith, and Ulverston.
The HSRAs, part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, were introduced in December 2024 to enable councils to assign leases while allowing landlords to retain ownership.
A consultation process, starting today, is inviting opinions from the community on these pilot areas, aiming to engage local businesses and community groups.
Councillor Jonathan Brook highlighted the importance of vibrant high streets in both urban and rural areas.
He said there is potential to transform empty shops into productive spaces through voluntary landlord participation.
The pilot aims to assess the benefits of these powers before potentially expanding to more areas.