Ipswich Borough Council is proposing to launch a consultation on the introduction of High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) in Ipswich town centre, as part of its ongoing commitment to revitalise the town centre and bring long-term vacant commercial properties back into active use.
The proposal, which will be considered by the Council's Executive on 14 July, would allow the Council to consult on the designation of an area within the town centre where HSRAs could be used.
These new powers were introduced by the Government through the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 and are designed to tackle persistent commercial vacancies, by enabling local authorities to auction short-term leases on qualifying empty premises where landlords have been unable or unwilling to bring them back into use.
Ipswich Borough Council has made town centre revitalisation the top priority in its Corporate Strategy, Proud of Ipswich. While Ipswich, as the county town of Suffolk, is a key retail, leisure and entertainment destination, changes in consumer habits and the retail sector have contributed to increasing numbers of vacant units in parts of the town centre.
A survey of Ipswich's Central Shopping Area undertaken in 2025 found that 19% of units were not in use, broadly reflecting the national picture.
The Council believes the future of the town centre lies in creating a vibrant mix of shopping, leisure, culture, hospitality, homes, workplaces and services rather than attempting to recreate traditional retail patterns. HSRAs are intended to support that vision by helping to overcome long-standing barriers that leave properties sitting empty for extended periods.
The Council has already been working with landlords, agents and businesses to encourage vacant units back into use and improve the appearance of buildings. However, its existing powers are limited and measures such as compulsory purchase orders can be costly and time-consuming. HSRAs provide a more targeted and potentially quicker intervention. These powers are designed to break the cycle of long-term vacancy by helping businesses, entrepreneurs and community organisations access premises that might otherwise remain empty for years.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "The Council is determined to tackle vacant town centre units, which reduce footfall, harm businesses and damage Ipswich’s overall vitality. Through HSRAs, we can step in where landlords leave properties empty so that we can bring them back into use with short-term leases to new tenants - such as local businesses or community groups. This will help to revitalise the town centre and stimulate economic activity.
“The aim is to break the cycle of long-term vacancy, unrealistic rents, inactive landlords, and long-empty units. Using HSRAs is expected to boost activity, support local entrepreneurs, increase footfall, and strengthen the local economy, without requiring major public investment.
“Ipswich has been monitoring early pilots and now has growing confidence the approach works in practice. We recognise that any changes are to be shaped in partnership with the communities they affect. We’ll work closely with businesses and landlords to shape proposals, ensuring they reflect local needs and support our priority of a thriving, vibrant town centre."
Under the proposed approach, the Council would first undertake a minimum 28-day consultation on the designated area. Only qualifying premises that have been vacant for extended periods and where occupation would provide a clear local benefit could be considered for auction.
If approved by Executive, public consultation on the proposed High Street Rental Auction designation area will take place later this year.