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Ipswich Borough Council will gain new powers next month to auction off long-term empty shops in the town centre. The High Street Rental Auctions scheme aims to tackle the problem of persistently vacant properties by allowing local authorities to step in after shops have been empty for more than a year.
Why it matters: With one in seven high street shops currently closed across the UK, the new powers could help breathe life back into Ipswich town centre by filling vacant units with businesses and community groups.
The big picture: From 2 December, the council will be able to:
Force auctions of shops empty for more than 365 days in a 24-month period
Offer one-to-five year leases to successful bidders
Take action against disengaged landlords
What they're saying: Ipswich Borough Council Leader Neil MacDonald says the authority is "looking closely" at what the new legislation might mean for the town.
"We expect to see the publication of further guidance and advice for local authorities, to define the powers, process and delivery in greater detail," he says, adding it would be "inappropriate" to speculate on possible impacts on individual premises at this stage.
Former Ipswich Central CEO Sophie Alexander warns the scheme needs careful implementation:
Short-term, below-market leases could impact nearby property values
Frequent interventions might deter long-term investors
Local authorities need expertise and clear strategy to manage the process
Current Ipswich Central CEO Lee Walker says the powers are "specifically aimed at targeting units that have proven hard or commercially difficult to rent for an extended period of time."
He points to recent successes in the town centre, including openings of "high-end national retailer Flannels to local independents such as Threads For All, as well as new restaurants including Kervan Kitchen."
"Whilst these powers are positive overall, they form part of a wider picture for Ipswich as it redefines what a modern town centre looks and feels like," Walker adds.
What's next: Before forcing an auction, the council must first try to resolve vacancies by engaging with landlords. The government will publish a new Small Business Strategy next year outlining further support for high street businesses.
The bottom line: While the new powers offer hope for tackling stubborn vacant units, success will depend on careful implementation and integration with Ipswich's broader town centre strategy.
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