Lewisham High Street Rental Auction phase 2

Overview

Across the borough, the Council is working to improve our high streets so that the local businesses and the wider community can thrive.

Unfortunately, in Lewisham, several of our high streets have empty commercial properties, which can take away from the liveliness of the town centre and impact other local businesses. These vacant properties may even be rented out but do not have any businesses actively trading there.

To tackle this London-wide issue, the government has introduced a new High Street Rental Auctions (HSRA) policy which gives local authorities the power to require landlords who have persistently vacant commercial properties to rent them out new tenants such as local businesses or community groups.

In January 2026, following a public consultation, the council approved plans to designate Forest Hill as a pilot area for exercising these powers. You can find out more about the pilot project and check back for updates after this consultation through our website. 

To use these powers, the Council must designate an area or street where are there are a number of long-term empty properties. 

Following the designation of Forest Hill as being a site for a High Street Rental Auction, Lewisham Council is now undertaking a further 28-day public engagement to select the next locations.

Lewisham Council is proposing to bring forward a High Street Rental Auction designation for the following areas:

• Catford Major Centre
• New Cross District Centre
• Deptford District Centre
• Blackheath District Town Centre 
• Sydenham District Centre
• Downham District Centre

Why your views matter

Before the Council can designate an area where a High Street Rental Auction power can be used, we must undertake a public engagement for a minimum of 28 days. From Wednesday 18 February until midnight Friday 20 March residents, local businesses and landlords are encouraged to have their say and leave feedback on the proposed utilisation of the HSRA powers. 

If you have any difficulty completing the survey or would like to know more, please email business@lewisham.gov.uk.