Norwich City Council could help rid city of empty shops

Under the government's plans, Norwich City Council will have the power to auction tenancy leases when landlords are not taking active steps to rent out their retail properties from December 2.

This could apply to empty shops, offices, restaurants, bars, pubs, and cafes that have been empty for a year or have been unoccupied for at least 366 days within the last two years.

However, it is up to each individual council as to whether they decide to exercise these powers.

Several shops remain empty in Norwich city centre (Image: Newsquest) 'A ROTTEN TOOTH IN A PERFECT SMILE'

Josh Worley, a small business owner and Green Party councillor in Norwich, has called on the council to "clamp down" on the vacant shops. 

He said: "Norwich’s pedestrianised streets make it an incredible shopping destination, but allowing shops to stand empty is like seeing a rotten tooth in a perfect smile.

Cllr Josh Worley (Image: Josh Worley) "The council needs to act to make sure they get filled quickly so that aspiring entrepreneurs can get a start in business and contribute to Norwich’s retail economy.

"In recent years, the city centre has been swarmed with shops selling vapes and mobile repair stores.

"These powers would make city centre retail locations more accessible to small local businesses and I know of so many aspiring business people who would jump at the chance, but can’t because some landlords would rather have their properties sat empty."

'THIS COULD BE GREAT'

Small business owners around Norwich have also spoken in support of the legislation. 

Small business owners in Norwich have reacted to the plans (Image: Denise Bradley) Sam Bircham, who owns Birchley's Loose Leaf Tea in Norwich Market, said: "This could be a great way to give small businesses a chance. 

"I don't personally need to expand but if I could get the same rent as I do here for a bigger shop then I would consider it. 

"It would be great to see more small businesses around rather than big chains or more vape shops or phone shops."

Sam Bircham runs Birchley's Loose Leaf Teas in Norwich Market (Image: Newsquest) The Cuppie Hut in St Giles Street started life in a converted horsebox on Tombland in 2018 before moving to a stall on Norwich Market, opening the permanent shop in 2022. 

Mel Abel, who owns the shop alongside friend and business partner Kim Cooper, said: "This could be an opportunity for small businesses to have their own shops in the city.

"If empty shops are open and making money, it will help all of the small businesses in Norwich and the local economy."

Kim Cooper added: "It sounds like a fantastic idea - but what about the small businesses that are already paying high rents and struggling? Will their rents be made more reasonable too?"

IT WILL ONLY HAPPEN IN 'RARE' CIRCUMSTANCES

However, Norwich City Council might not enact these powers.

Adrian Fennell, who is head of retail for Roche Chartered Surveyors, said that he would be surprised if it came to that.

Adrian Fennell is head of retail at Roche Chartered Surveyors (Image: Roche Surveyors) He said: "In my opinion, this would only happen in very rare circumstances where a dilapidated property has been left empty for a very long time.

"Sometimes it is not possible to let out a property within a year, no matter how hard the landlord might be trying. A vacant shop does not mean a landlord isn't trying to find a tenant.

"We are in a very tough market and retailers are going through increasing hardships, causing many of them to be cautious with expansion and opening shops.

READ MORE: Wilko and Argos contribute to empty shop space increase but Norwich is bucking trends

"There will always be some vacancies but I think that Norwich has a vibrant and interesting city centre."

WHAT DOES CITY HALL SAY?

A council spokesman said: "Norwich is fortunate to have a vibrant city centre with relatively low vacancy rates compared to other similar-sized cities in the country. 

"Further guidance documents will be available once the legislation comes into force on December 2 and four councils are taking this forward as early adopters. 

"We will watch with interest how this is implemented elsewhere, and how successful this is in other cities that have greater challenges around vacancy rates."

WHAT IS THE LEGISLATION?

From December 2, regulations will come into force under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 that will enable the rental auctions of empty high street shops.

The purpose of this is to improve the local economy in areas with high rates of empty shops by enabling local authorities to auction rental leases where landlords are not actively trying to let out properties.

Under the plans, local authorities can designate streets in their areas as high streets and town centres where they are important to the local economy.

High street uses are broadly defined as shops or offices, services for visiting members of the public, restaurants, bars, pubs, and cafes, among other uses.

The shops have to be suitable for high street use, have been unoccupied a year or for at least 366 days within the last two years, and would be beneficial for the local economy, society or environment if let out.