Lewisham high street empty shops consultation open.

Lewisham may soon see the implementation of a new project to revive its high streets.

Lewisham Council has proposed implementing High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) powers in several locations of the borough, including Catford, New Cross, and Deptford.

This policy, enacted by the government as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act, will allow the council to oblige landlords who frequently leave unoccupied premises on the main street to rent them out to companies or community groups.

Lewisham Council stated that the initiative attempts to address the issue of empty stores on the main street, allowing companies and the community to “thrive”. The authority continued:

“Unfortunately, in Lewisham, several of our high streets have empty commercial properties, which can take away from the liveliness of the town centre and impact other local businesses.”

These unoccupied premises may be rented out, but no businesses are actively trading there.