New powers could see empty shop units in Bournemouth brought back into use more quickly, with councillors set to consider a pilot scheme at BCP Council’s cabinet next week.
The High Street Rental Auction scheme would give the council additional powers to act where shop units in Bournemouth town centre have remained empty for extended periods.
Under the proposals, intervention could take place when a property has been unused for more than three hundred and sixty five days within a two year period.
The council would then be able to work with landlords and agents to offer short term leases through a right to rent auction.
Councillor Richard Herrett said the approach would help address long term vacancies while supporting local businesses and community groups seeking town centre space.
Vacancy rates in Bournemouth are around the national average, with existing development work already expected to bring around a third of empty units back into use.
A consultation on the proposed scheme area showed seventy five per cent support for a zone covering West Cliff, the town centre and parts of East Cliff.
The cabinet will discuss the proposals on seventeen December, with a recommendation to approve Bournemouth town centre as the designated pilot area.
Share us with your friends on social media, and have a listen to Bournemouth One online and on DAB for all your local news, traffic, jobs, weather, coastal info and more.
Register below for free regular updates via email.