Initiative to utilize vacant retail spaces in coastal town

A new initiative aims to reactivate vacant retail properties in a coastal community by granting local enterprises and community organizations a ‘right to rent’ if commercial tenants cannot be secured. The High Street Rental Auctions scheme will be piloted in four regions across the United Kingdom, including the areas of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. Should a building or shop remain unoccupied for 365 days within a 24-month timeframe, the local council will collaborate with the property owner to find an occupant. If an agreement is not reached, independent merchants or community groups will then have the opportunity to bid for a tenancy lasting between one and five years. Jessica Toale, the Labour Member of Parliament for Bournemouth West, has called upon the local authority to implement the scheme to “revitalise Bournemouth town centre and our local high streets”. The government anticipates that this new program will attract more visitors to town centres, generate additional employment, and provide more affordable rental options for local businesses and community groups. Ms. Toale expressed her desire for BCP council to leverage the scheme to “breathe new life back into the high streets”. The local MP further stated: “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 intends to convene meetings with local landlords, business proprietors, and representatives from the Town Centre BID in the upcoming year to discuss these prospective changes. Tom Everson, who relocated to Bournemouth a year ago and is employed in the town centre, remarked: “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 added: “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.” Pam Gomer, a local resident, conveyed that the town feels deserted: “I’ve lived here ever since the 1960s and the differences are enormous.” She observed that “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.” BBC Dorset can be followed on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC holds no responsibility for the content of external sites. Details on our approach to external linking are available.