High Street Rental Auctions

Why Lambeth is proposing to use HSRA powers

Lambeth’s town centres and high streets play a vital role in the borough’s economy and community life, this is recognised in our 10 year Growth Plan. Lambeth’s vacancy rate for retail has not recovered to pre-covid levels, with some shops and commercial units remaining empty for many years despite strong demand from small businesses, social enterprises and community organisations.

Long-term vacant units can reduce footfall, undermine local confidence and negatively affect the appearance and safety of high streets. HSRA powers provide a targeted tool to address persistent vacancy and support economic activity where other approaches have not been successful.

Proposed HSRA programme

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.

The aim of the one-year programme is to test how HSRAs can tackle vacancy in different high street contexts, from major town centres to local shopping parades. Lambeth Council is proposing to designate the following town centres and high streets:

• Brixton
• West Norwood
• New Park Road Triangle

Designation means that, where the legal conditions are met, HSRA powers could be used for eligible properties located on these streets.

A map showing the boundaries of each proposed designated area is provided in the consultation survey.

Designation does not mean that all vacant units will be subject to a rental auction. Each property would be assessed individually, and HSRA powers would only be used where a unit has been vacant for over 12-months, meets the policy criteria, and other options have not led to occupation.

Working with landlords and property owners

Lambeth Council’s strong preference is to work in partnership with landlords and property owners to bring vacant units back into use without the need for a High Street Rental Auction.

Before considering an auction, the council will seek to:

• engage early with landowners to understand barriers to letting
• support landlords to identify potential tenants
• explore meanwhile use or alternative leasing options
• work with Business Improvement Districts, forums and workspace providers to promote opportunities to maximise the outcomes of the programme

Lambeth will provide support to landlords to occupy eligible units within a designated area. The use of a HSRA will take place where long-term vacancy persists and voluntary approaches have not been successful.

Supporting high streets and local businesses

Where HSRA powers are used, the council will seek outcomes that support the long-term health of Lambeth’s high streets. This includes encouraging uses that meet local needs, support inclusive growth and create opportunities for local and independent businesses.

The council manages a property enquiry list. If you are, or represent, a business looking for ground floor space on a high street in Lambeth, please visit https://lambethnow.co.uk/property-enquiry-form/ to register your interest and be notified when properties become available through the HSRA process.

Have your say

We are inviting residents, businesses, landlords and other stakeholders to share their views on the proposed designations and the use of HSRA powers in Lambeth.

Your feedback will help inform the council’s final decision.

Consultation closes on: 16 March 2026

Frequently Asked Questions