Published on Friday 12 December 2025
New powers could see empty shop units brought back into use quicker, as part of a pilot scheme set to be discussed by councillors on BCP Council’s cabinet next week.
BCP Council is one of the first local authorities to trial the High Street Rental Auction scheme – an initiative that gives the Council more powers to bring persistently empty units in Bournemouth back into ownership.
The powers come shortly after businesses reported a successful summer in the town centre with more than 10million trips made across June, July and August. The number of returning visitors to Bournemouth more than doubled, year on year, with fantastic events such as Pride, Summer Streets and Proms in the Park highlighting the best of what Bournemouth has to offer.
Floorspace and shop units have already been proactively brought back into use with businesses such as Barbara’s Bier Haus, The Botanist, VR Mania, Wenzel’s, Pineapple Island, and Sport It First all opening their doors this year.
The Botanist’s launch was their most successful of all time across the country and the Council is continuing to work with local businesses to build on the positive progress being made – this new scheme provides an extra tool to continue that momentum.
Cllr Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations at BCP Council, said: “Our high streets are the heartbeat of our communities and these new powers will help us keep them vibrant and thriving.
“Already this year we’ve seen fantastic new businesses opening their doors but by tackling long-term vacancies head-on we can create even more opportunities for local businesses and community groups to bring fresh energy to the town centre.
“These powers give us a fantastic opportunity to see that positive progress continue.”
Vacancy rates within Bournemouth remain in-line with the national average – at 20% - and major developments are already underway to bring 1/3 of empty units back into immediate use. These new powers will help the Council go further to return persistently vacant shops back to use.
Returning visitors across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are up year on year; with millions of trips being made to our three vibrant town centres each month and more and more people returning on a regular basis.
In the last two years, across the BCP-area 64 new start-up businesses have launched as a result of targeted UK Shared Prosperity Fund support whilst more than 440 jobs have been created and protected.
Under the scheme, the Council will be allowed to intervene when properties are left empty and unused in Bournemouth town centre for more than 365 days during a two year period. The new powers mean the Council can step in and work with landlords and agents to put these leases up for auction through a ‘right to rent’ lot for businesses and community groups.
Before implementation, a consultation was held to identify which area of BCP should be designated for the scheme and 75% of respondents approved of the proposed zone – spanning from Durley Chine Road along West Cliff, through Bournemouth town centre, and on to Manor Road in East Cliff.
The proposals will be discussed by BCP Council’s Cabinet on 17 December with a recommendation to approve making Bournemouth town centre the designated area for the scheme.