High Street Rental Auctions
Rugby Borough Council has adopted new Government powers to bring long-term vacant commercial units in Rugby town centre back into use.
High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) were introduced under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 to support the regeneration of town centres and high streets.
Under the powers, councils can auction leases for commercial properties which have stood empty for more than 12 months within a two-year period.
Rugby Borough Council adopted the new powers at a meeting of cabinet on 15 September 2025, when the town centre was designated the HSRA 'zone' where the powers can be enforced.
HRSAs give councils the power to target landlords who fail to actively market or let commercial units within a reasonable time frame - with councils able to offer one to five-year leases on such properties at auction.
Councils can also restrict the type of businesses which can bid for a lease to ensure HSRA zones have a diverse range of shops and businesses.
For more information, view the Government's full HSRA guidance or email the estates and property team using estatesandproperty@rugby.gov.uk.