Landlords could be required to rent out empty shops under plans to reduce the number of vacant premises in Mansfield town centre.
Mansfield District Council has begun consultation on introducing High Street Rental Auctions, which allow councils to arrange auctions for tenancies of qualifying vacant commercial properties.
The proposed scheme would cover town centre premises that have been vacant for more than a year.
Mansfield Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “I get asked all the time: What are we doing about the empty shops in Mansfield? We’ve signed up to a new government scheme that gives us an ability to challenge those landlords who aren’t renting out those properties.
“For far too long we’ve had properties on our high streets that have been blighting the town centre and holding our town back. Either use it or lose it. We’re going to bring these properties back into functioning and helping the town centre. This is the time we move things forward.”
The government introduced the High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) scheme at the end of 2024, after figures showed one in seven shops nationwide were empty.
Mansfield’s consultation began on 28 September, with the scheme expected to start on 26 October.
The proposed area covers most of the town centre within the boundaries of Rosemary Street, Portland Street to the railway station, St Peter’s Way, the junction of Chesterfield Road South and Wood Street, St John Street and Union Street.
The area between the railway line, Maun View and the end of Bridge Street would be excluded.
The council must first engage with landlords. If no agreement is reached, it can begin the process of arranging a rental auction. The auction is for a tenancy, rather than the sale of the property.
Landlords would have a notice period of 10 to 12 weeks in which to find their own tenant.
If they do not, and any objections or appeals are unsuccessful, the council would have 12 weeks to market the premises and invite bids from prospective tenants.
The council would then present the bids to the landlord. Once a bid is selected, the process would conclude with the signing of a tenancy agreement.
The Mayor added: “There are businesses, entrepreneurs and community groups that would love the opportunity to set up in our town centre, and we want to open the door to them.
“We are very much open to conversations with the owners of properties which have been vacant for a long period and if the HSRA process brings this about, I would urge them to come forward and talk to us.”
Joseph Connolly Local Democracy Reporter
