Lambeth Council launches High Street Rental Auction pilot in key areas

Key Information:

Who: Lambeth Council, in partnership with the Mayor of London and local Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).

What: Implementation of the High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) pilot scheme.

Where: Targeting Brixton, West Norwood, and New Park Road in Clapham.

When: Announced 6 February 2026; 28-day public consultation pending.

Why: To fill shops left vacant for over a year and address a 26% retail vacancy rate.

The Lambeth Council High Street auctions pilot has been launched to tackle the borough’s retail vacancy rate, which has hit a ten-year high of 26%. Under these new legal powers, the council can now require landlords to rent out commercial units that have been left persistently vacant for more than one year.

The scheme identifies three specific locations for the initial rollout: Brixton, West Norwood, and New Park Road in Clapham. By reactivating unused buildings, the council aims to widen access for local entrepreneurs and voluntary organisations who have previously been priced out by rising rents.

How the Lambeth Council High Street auctions will work

Units that meet the vacancy criteria may be auctioned off to the highest bidder on leases ranging from one to five years. Prospective tenants must satisfy council-set criteria to ensure their business supports the local community and economic growth.

The council will prioritise engagement with landlords to find voluntary solutions before initiating any formal auction proceedings. Support will be provided throughout the pilot to guide new tenants through the bidding and leasing process.

Revitalising Brixton, West Norwood, and New Park Road

Councillor Marcia Cameron, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, stated that the council is determined to collaborate with landlords to bring units back into use. However, she confirmed that the council "will not hesitate to use these auctions to force changes" that revitalise local shopping parades.

Gianluca Rizzo, Managing Director of Brixton BID, welcomed the move as a practical step for the area's night-time economy. He noted that the pilot will help unlock the potential of vacant spaces in a way that reflects Brixton’s unique character.

Public consultation for residents

Before the Lambeth Council High Street auctions can begin, the proposed designations for Brixton, West Norwood, and New Park Road must be published for a 28-day public consultation. This gives residents and businesses a formal opportunity to provide feedback on the plans.

The initiative aligns with the council's wider 10-year Growth Plan and Night Time Economy Strategy. By reducing the number of empty shopfronts, the council aims to restore confidence and vitality to Lambeth's most significant town centres.