Bucks Council announces high street auction plan to revitalise Aylesbury
Bucks Council is launching a new auction scheme to regenerate areas of Aylesbury high street that are currently unused.
The authority announced that it will conduct ‘high street rental auctions’ in Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Chesham.
Residents and organisations are encouraged to submit proposals for areas that could potentially be put up for auction in these town centres.
HSRAs are new powers that are available to authorities allowing them to bring long-term vacant commercial properties back into use.
Before any HSRAs can take place, councils are required to formally designate the high street areas where the powers could potentially be used, the council revealed today.
A consultation period was opened by Bucks Council today, which lasts for six weeks, and the authority says the auctions form part of a wider regeneration project.
Councillor Robert Carington said: "Our town centres play a vital role in the economic, social and cultural life of Buckinghamshire. Exploring this is part of proactive action to support thriving high streets and ensure that our key town centres continue to be attractive places to live, work, visit and invest.
"We want to work constructively with landlords, businesses and local communities to bring empty properties back into productive use. Our first priority will always be to support voluntary occupation and help owners find tenants where possible.
"High street rental auctions provide an additional tool that can help tackle long-term vacancy where other efforts have not succeeded. By bringing suitable vacant units back into use, we can create new opportunities for local businesses and community organisations, increase footfall and support stronger local economies across our town centres. Undertaking this pilot allows us to fully explore how these powers could be used locally to help us decide if it’s right for Buckinghamshire to take it forward.”
Bucks Council says it wants to work with landlords and property owners to encourage the voluntary letting of vacant units. It adds that the auction option will only be used as a last resort where properties have remained vacant for a sustained period of time. The consultation runs until August 9 and further details can be found on the council’s website here.