Empty Caledonian Road shops face public auctions in Islington revival plan
Islington Council has initiated a formal consultation on the use of High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) powers to address the persistent issue of vacant storefronts on Caledonian Road. Under the proposal, the local authority could intervene when a commercial unit has remained empty for more than a year, facilitating a public auction to secure a new tenant. This move aims to revitalise one of the borough’s most prominent thoroughfares, which currently suffers from a vacancy rate significantly higher than the local average.
New auction powers for long-term vacant units
The High Street Rental Auction powers represent a strategic tool allowing councils to take a proactive role in commercial property management without seizing ownership. If a landlord fails to let a property that has been vacant for 365 days, the council can initiate an auction process. The successful bidder enters into a lease agreement, ensuring the unit is occupied and trading.
Crucially, the property owner retains full ownership of the building and continues to receive the rental income generated by the new lease. The powers are designed to act as a backstop for cases where units are left empty despite there being potential interest from local entrepreneurs or community groups. These powers do not affect any business that is currently open and trading, nor do they involve the forced eviction of active tenants.
Caledonian Road vacancy rates hit double the borough average
Data from Islington Council highlights the urgency of the intervention on Caledonian Road, often known locally as “The Cally.” The street currently has a vacancy rate of 17.5%, which is the highest of any high street in the borough and nearly double the Islington average. This level of vacancy has been identified as a primary factor holding back local economic growth and reducing the overall safety and vibrancy of the area.
Cllr Una O’Halloran, Leader of Islington Council, stated that bringing these long-term empty units back into use is essential for building a more equal future for residents. The council’s “Make it Happen” initiative focuses on practical steps to support local traders and increase footfall. By filling these gaps in the streetscape, the council expects to see a cumulative benefit for existing businesses that rely on a steady stream of shoppers and visitors.
Consultation details and boundary designations
The current consultation focuses on the specific boundary area where the HSRA powers would be applied. The proposed designation along Caledonian Road includes two distinct ‘Local Shopping Areas’ which serve as vital economic hubs for the surrounding community. By grouping these into a single, continuous high-street area, the council aims to ensure all eligible premises are covered by a consistent policy.
No decisions have been made regarding individual properties at this stage. The council has maintained that it will always seek to work with landlords collaboratively in the first instance. The auction powers are intended as a last resort, to be used only if a property remains empty for an extended period despite repeated efforts to secure a tenant through traditional market routes.
Safeguards for landlords and existing businesses
The proposed framework includes several protections to ensure the process is fair to property owners. Landlords are encouraged to find their own tenants during the notice period, and the council’s intervention only proceeds if no progress is made. For the community, the benefit lies in the potential for new services, cafes, or retail shops to occupy spaces that have become eyesores or magnets for anti-social behavior.
Residents, business owners, and community groups have 28 days to share their views on the proposed boundary and the future of the high street. Feedback can be submitted online via the Let’s Talk Islington portal or by collecting paper copies of the survey from the Jean Stokes Community Centre. Once the consultation period concludes, the findings will be presented to the Council’s Executive for final approval before any designations are made official.
Source: Islington Council
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