Leigh - High Street Rental Auctions
We are seeking your views on a proposed High Street Rental Auction (HSRAs) area in Leigh town centre.
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 grants local authorities powers to conduct rental auctions in properties that have been vacant for one year consecutively or 366 days non-consecutively in a two year period.
To implement these powers, local authorities must consult the public on the proposed area where the HSRA powers will be used. Your views will also provide us with more insight on how commercial property vacancies impact members and stakeholders of the local community.
Background:
Empty shops can make a place feel less safe, less vibrant and less welcoming. To help fix this, the government has introduced High Street Rental Auctions, giving councils new power to bring long-term empty properties back into use.
The aim is for businesses to work proactively and find a new tenant for their premises. If an auction is held, businesses and charities have the opportunity to rent the premises at market rate.
Government guidance, sets out eligibility and the full auction process.
Area Proposed:
The area is the core town centre of Leigh, where the main retail areas of the town are located.
Streets Included:
Albion Street
Back Market Street
Back Salford
Bedford Street (Part of)
Bengal Street (Part of)
Bold Street (Part of)
Bond Street (Part of)
Bradshawgate
Brown Street (Part of)
Brown Street North (Part of)
Brown Street South (Part of)
Charles Street (Part of)
Cook Street (Part of)
Doctor's Nook (Part of)
Downing Street (Part of)
Ellesmere Street (Part of)
Gas Street
Gerrard Street
Hilden Street (Part of)
Hope Street (Part of)
John Street
King Street (Part of)
Lord Street (Part of)
Market Place (Part of)
Market Street
Newton Street
Railway Road (Part of)
Silk Street (Part of)
Spinning Gate Shopping Centre
Spinning Jenny Way (Part of)
St Mary's Way (Part of)
Temple Court
Union Street (Part of)
Vernon Street (Part of)
Wilkinson Street (Part of)
Other ways to submit feedback:
As well as the survey, responses to the consultation can also be submitted by post and email. Emails can be sent to Regeneration@wigan.gov.uk and post can be addressed to Regeneration Services, Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council, Council, Wigan, Town Hall, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 9SD.
Eligibility:
A property must be vacant and have been vacant for at least one year continuously or 366 days non-continuously in a two year period.
Next Steps:
Following the end of the consultation, the council will make a decision whether to implement a HSRA area in Leigh town centre. Should it be implemented, if you are the owner of a vacant commercial property within the HSRA area, your property might be subject to the HSRA process. We encourage landlords to actively pursue solutions to long term vacancies.
