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Right to rent scheme for empty shops in seaside town

BBC A high street with people walking. To let and signs above some of the empty shops on the high street. BBC
Bournemouth has been chosen as one of four places to trial a scheme to fill empty shops

Empty shops in a seaside town could be brought back in to use by a scheme that will see local businesses and community groups given the 'right to rent' if they can't be filled commercially.

Four areas of the UK will trial the High Street Rental Auctions scheme, including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

When the building or shop has been empty for 365 days within a 24-month period, the local authority will work with the landlord to fill the space.

If they don't come to an agreement, independent traders or local groups can then bid for a one to five year tenancy.

Bournemouth West Labour MP, Jessica Toale, urged the local authority to make use of the scheme to "revitalise Bournemouth town centre and our local high streets".

A high street with empty shops and people walking up and down the street.
Two of the big department stores in the centre of Bournemouth sit empty

The government hopes the new scheme will bring more people in to town centres, create more jobs and give local businesses and community groups more affordable spaces to rent.

Toale said she wants BCP council to use the scheme to "breathe new life back into the high streets".

The local MP added: "All too often I hear from residents that Bournemouth is not what it used to be; there are too many empty shops and it doesn't feel safe."

She plans to meet with local landlords, business owners and Town Centre BID representatives in the new year to discuss the changes.

A man stood on a high street in between two buildings. He is wearing a grey coat and a scarf.
Tom Everson said the town centre is going down but he did meet the love of his life when he moved to Bournemouth a year ago.

Tom Everson moved to Bournemouth a year ago and works in the town centre.

"I'm originally from Rhyl which is a complete and utter dive. I moved down to the south coast thinking it would be better, turns out it wasn't. It's quite poor really," he said.

"I met the love of my life down here, which was great, but the town itself [is] closing shops all the time.

"It's not what I thought it was going to be."

A woman stood in front of an empty shop, wearing glasses, a purple coat and green jumper.
Pam gomer doesn't think there are enough local businesses on Bournemouth's high street.

Local resident Pam Gomer said the town feels empty: "I've lived here ever since the 1960s and the differences are enormous.

"The big departmental stores have gone now.

"Its just got a different feel about Bournemouth. I still love coming here but you know it's just a different feel."

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