Council leads way on bringing empty commercial units back to life

Tackling empty properties helps revitalise high streets, support local businesses and strengthen town centres across the borough.   

The 2023 Levelling Up and Regeneration Act introduced new powers (High Street Rental Auctions) for local authorities to require landlords to rent out long‑term vacant commercial properties in designated areas, bringing them back into active use. This builds on the Article 4 Direction of our Local Plan, introduced in 2024, which protects commercial premises from conversion to residential use without planning permission. 

The pilot was first launched for the Forest Hill area last year. On 21 January of this year, following a public engagement process, Forest Hill District Centre was formally designated as a High Street Rental Auction location. We are currently undertaking the surveying work needed to bring properties to auction, including satisfying local need and vacancy history.

Now, the Council is seeking to do the same in Blackheath, Catford, Deptford, Downham, New Cross and Sydenham. These areas were selected due to their persistently higher rates of vacant high street properties. From Wednesday 18 February, residents, businesses and landlords can share their views on these proposed designations by completing an online survey before Wednesday 18 March. For support or more information, email business@lewisham.gov.uk.

Ahead of receiving powers, the Council was already finding creative ways to tackle empty high street properties, including bringing more independent businesses to our high streets. Over the last two years, the Council’s Empty Property Grants programme, has directly supported local businesses to transform vacant spaces into valuable workspace. The latest round helped reopen more than 25 spaces, creating 15 jobs and safeguarding a further 10. This programme is supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

Councillor Ese Erheriene, Cabinet Member for Business, Jobs and Skills said:

“Our work to tackle empty commercial properties is helping more local businesses open their doors and get the head start they need to grow. It creates additional workspace so people can work locally and much-needed skills can flourish in Lewisham, while reducing the number of empty shops on our high streets, bringing new life to our town centres and delivering a real boost to the local economy.

“Success stories like Blue Garage, Mauby, Springbank Studio and V22 show exactly what can be achieved by transforming empty spaces into some of the borough’s most successful and exciting places to do business.”