Have your say on plans to boost Cally high street
New powers could be used to support landlords to bring empty shops back into use on Caledonian Road, as part of efforts to breathe new life into high streets.
The council has launched a public consultation on plans to use new High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) powers, which allow it to step in when a shop has been empty for more than a year and nothing has been done to bring it back into use.
It’s all part of the council’s efforts to Make it Happen for Islington, by acting on the issues that matter most to local people.
The powers do not affect any business that is open and trading, and they do not force anyone out. Landlords keep full ownership of their property and continue to receive rent - the powers simply help find a tenant where a unit has been left empty for too long.
Cllr Una O’Halloran, Leader of Islington Council, said: “We are determined to build a more equal future for everyone in Islington, and we’re taking action to Make it Happen.
“Bringing long term empty units back into use will help boost footfall, support local traders and create a safer, more vibrant high street.
“Too many shops on Caledonian Road have been empty for too long, and that holds back local businesses and the people who rely on them. That’s why we’re taking practical steps to make change happen and support Cally Road to thrive.”
Caledonian Road has the highest vacancy rate of any high street in the borough, with 17.5% of units standing empty - almost double the Islington average.
The consultation centres around the boundary area where the HSRA powers could apply.
The proposed designation area along Caledonian Road includes two ‘Local Shopping Areas’ which are important economic hubs for local businesses and residents. This ensures all eligible premises fall within a single, continuous high‑street area and supports the council’s wider commitment to revitalising high streets.
No decisions have been made about using the powers on any individual property. The council will always work with landlords first, but if a property remains empty for an extended period, despite repeated efforts to secure a tenant, the council may consider using these powers to bring the space back into use for the benefit of the community.
The consultation is now open and will run for 28 days. Residents, businesses, landlords and community groups are invited to share their views on the proposed boundary and the future of Caledonian Road. Visit www.letstalk.islington.gov.uk/high-street-rental-auctions or pick up paper copies of the survey from Jean Stokes Community Centre.
Once consultation is closed, the decision to apply HSRA powers in Caledonian Road will be brought to the Council’s Executive for final approval.
Notes to editors
HSRA powers are a national policy introduced by central government as part of the Levelling‑up and Regeneration Act 2023.
The process involves several key steps:
- Identifying the area: Councils must identify high streets where HSRA could be used and carry out a public consultation lasting at least 28 days before any decision is made.
- Checking eligibility: Only units that have been empty for 12 consecutive months (or 366 days within two years) and where re‑use would benefit the local area can be included.
- Working with landlords: Councils first seek voluntary solutions and explore ways to get the unit let without formal action.
- Initial Notice: If the property remains empty, an Initial Notice may be issued, giving the landlord further time to find a tenant.
- Final Letting Notice: If the unit is still unoccupied, a Final Letting Notice is issued. During this period, landlords cannot grant leases or carry out works without council approval.
- Auction period (12 weeks): The property is advertised and interested businesses, enterprises and community groups submit rent bids with supporting information. The landlord may choose the preferred bidder; if not, the council proceeds with the highest compliant bid.
- Fit‑out and occupation: The landlord completes any required minimum‑standard works. The incoming business then takes up a lease of between one and five years.
Contact information
If you are a member of the public with a general question about the council please view the contact information on our website or call 020 7527 2000.