High street rental auctions

North Northamptonshire Council is participating in the Government’s High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) initiative to address long-term vacancies in town centres.

Where premises have remained empty despite efforts to re-let them, the council can secure short-term leases for new tenants. The aim is to boost footfall, support local businesses and create more vibrant high streets.

The Council will continue to prioritise working with landlords voluntarily, using High Street Rental Auction only where other approaches have not succeeded.

Which premises are included

Only certain commercial properties qualify. To be eligible, premises must:

• be in a designated high street or town centre
• be suitable for high street use (e.g. shops, cafés, services, offices, leisure or community uses)
• have been vacant either for the past 12 months, or at least 366 days in the last 24 months
• be likely to deliver economic, social or environmental benefits if reoccupied

Warehouses and storage-only units are excluded.

How the process works

The HSRA process follows a legal framework:

• the Council identifies a qualifying vacant property
• landlords are encouraged to let it voluntarily
• if vacancy continues, formal notices may be served
• a rental auction may be held to find a tenant
• a short-term lease (typically 1 to 5 years) is granted

The full process can take several months due to legal requirements. 

What is not included under HRSA

High street rental auctions:

• is not compulsory purchase
• does not remove ownership
• is not aimed at proactive landlords actively seeking tenants
• is not intended for widespread use

It is a targeted measure for persistent vacancies. Councils must also believe there is a realistic chance of letting the property; some larger or complex units may not be suitable.

Area's HRSA will apply

An assessment of Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and Rushden found Wellingborough has the highest level of long-term vacant units, making it the first area for further investigation.

Currently are focus will be on a designated area in Wellingborough. Other areas may be considered later.

Landlord responsibility

Landlords must provide any required information. Failure to do so, or providing false information, may result in penalties. If necessary, the Council can finalise the lease on the landlord’s behalf in line with legislation.

Next steps

The Council is an early adopter and is currently:

• raising awareness
• gathering local feedback
• assessing eligible areas and properties

Any use of HSRA will be clearly communicated.

Consultation

Public engagement for High Street Rental Auction took place in November 2025 to explain HSRA and gather feedback. This helped us shape our approach, emphasising voluntary letting and balanced regeneration.

A public consultation is taking place from 22 June to 19 July 2026 on the next phase of the project, including a proposal to recommend Wellingborough.

Consultation responses will be reported in a future Executive report. Further information can be found on the government's guidance.

Last updated 23 June 2026