High Street Rental Auctions in the Cally
Islington Council is set to make bold use of new High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) powers in Caledonian Road, to tackle empty shops and breathe life back into the high street.
HSRA powers allow councils to act when commercial units sit vacant for too long. In these cases, Islington can step in and run a High Street Rental Auction - getting shutters up and new businesses in use.
This approach aims to cut vacancy, boost footfall and support a more diverse mix of businesses. By turning empty units into active spaces, Islington is driving a more vibrant, resilient high street that works better for residents, businesses, and the wider community.
Overview
Islington Council is working to support thriving, welcoming high streets where local people and businesses can benefit from a strong local economy. As part of this work, we are delivering a range of improvements and measures along Caledonian Road including business support, better public realm such as new seating and pocket parks, shopfront upgrade schemes and work to reduce long‑term vacancy.
One of the biggest challenges on Caledonian Road is the high number of empty shops, which affects how the street looks and feels and has negative impacts for the local community and other businesses in the area.
To help tackle this, the Government has introduced High Street Rental Auctions (HSRA). These powers allow councils, in certain circumstances, to arrange a rental auction for a property that has been empty for a long period of time, enabling a new tenant to occupy the unit and contribute to the vitality of the high street.
Before the council can use these powers, we must set a specific area (a ‘boundary designation’) where the HSRA powers could apply. We are now consulting on the proposed boundary for Caledonian Road (shown on the map). Your views will help make sure the proposed area reflects local needs and priorities.
As part of the Mayor of London's work to support more mission-driven property management across the city's high streets, Islington Council 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.
Why have we selected this high street, and this specific part of the road?
Caledonian Road has the highest vacancy rate of any Islington high street - around 17.5% - which is nearly double compared to the Islington-wide vacancy rate average of 9.7%. This makes the area a priority area for action to bring empty premises back into use.
his stretch of the high street is also recognised in the Local Plan as having two designated Local Shopping Areas. These areas play an important role for residents and workers, acting as key hubs for everyday shopping, services and social interaction. By targeting the area shown on the map, we can take action where it will have the greatest impact.
Reducing persistent vacancy here will help strengthen the local economy, improve the look and feel of the high street and ensure this important community hub continues to serve the needs of the neighbourhood.
Working with landlords and property owners
Islington Council’s preference is to work collaboratively with landlords and property owners along Caledonian Road to bring vacant premises back into use without having to rely on a High Street Rental Auction.
Before an auction is considered, the council will look to:
Engage with property owners to understand what may be preventing the unit from being let
Offer support in identifying suitable prospective tenants
Work with local partners - including the Caledonian Traders Association, community groups and workspace providers – to promote opportunities that work to reduce vacancy
A High Street Rental Auction would only be considered where a unit remains vacant despite sustained efforts to engage with the landlord to secure a tenant within a satisfactory timeframe.
Why we are running this consultation
As part of the process, the council must carry out a 28‑day public consultation before deciding on a final boundary.
Your feedback will help us understand whether the proposed boundary captures the high street area to use the HSRA powers in, and whether anything should be added or removed. The results will directly inform the final designation area that the council will take forward for approval. We also want to hear what types of shops, services or community uses you would like to see in empty spaces in the future.
How to take part
The consultation will be open for 28 days. You can share your views by completing the survey.
If you need help completing it or would like the information in another format or language, please email businesssupport@islington.gov.uk
You can also collect a paper copy from Jean Stokes Community Centre (N1 0DX) or send your feedback by post:
Local Economies
Room 205
Islington Town Hall
Upper Street
N1 2UD
After the consultation closes, the results will be published in a Consultation Report, which will summarise the findings and explain how your feedback has been used.
