Bid to tackle Wellingborough’s empty shops problem
A consultation has been launched on the next phase of a project designed to tackle issues with long-term empty shops in North Northamptonshire.
North Northamptonshire Council was confirmed as one of 11 ‘Early Adopters’ of the High Street Rental Auctions (HSRA) Programme announced by the Government in 2024, which will result in landlords renting out long-term empty shops to new tenants.
Wellingborough has been identified as having the highest number of vacant premises in the north of the county and the council is now consulting on whether to move forward with the designated area within Wellingborough Town Centre to be the first area where the HSRA programme could be used.
Areas with high levels of empty shops often see higher unemployment rates, boarded-up shops, vandalism and a lack of pride from residents in their local area, the council says.
Cllr Jan O’Hara, executive member for planning and economic growth, said: “It is clear from the engagement exercise last year that there is support from residents and stakeholders for the project and it is great that we’re moving forward to the next stage.
“The data shows that Wellingborough has the highest number of vacant premises and we are now asking for views on potentially moving forward with a HSRA pilot for Wellingborough, based on the designated area.
“With this information guiding our focus for this pilot alongside the development of the Wellingborough Masterplan, we are aware there has been a lot of focus on the town.
“But that doesn’t mean we are not aware of issues and the need for regeneration in other towns across North Northamptonshire and we remain committed to doing all we can to encourage growth in all our town centres – helping towns adapt to changing habits.
“Plus, if this pilot is successful, we will look to extend to other areas in North Northamptonshire.”
Separately, a consultation on a masterplan for Wellingborough has just concluded and the council continues work to look at regenerating all towns across North Northamptonshire.
Once the consultation has closed on the High Street Rental Auctions, all feedback will then be collated before a final decision is made by the council’s executive.
The consultation is now live and will run until July 19. The consultation survey can be accessed online via the council’s consultation hub.
Alternatively, you can respond via email to [email protected] or write to North Northamptonshire Council, High Street Rental Auction consultation, Swanspool House, Doddington House, Wellingborough, NN8 1BP, specifying whether you support (or not) the proposal and include the reasons why.