Islington residents are being invited to shape a new plan to revitalise Caledonian Road by bringing long-term empty shops back into use through public auctions. The local authority has launched a formal consultation on the introduction of High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) powers, a strategy designed to tackle persistent vacancies that have impacted the area’s economic health.
These powers allow the council to intervene when a commercial unit has remained shuttered for more than a year without any clear plan for its return to use. Under the proposal, the council could auction a short-term lease for the property to a new tenant, ensuring the space contributes to the local economy rather than remaining a dormant fixture on the high street.
Vacancy rates and the designated boundary area
Caledonian Road currently faces the most significant commercial vacancy challenge in the borough. Data provided by the council reveals that 17.5% of units along the thoroughfare are standing empty, a figure that is nearly double the average across the rest of Islington. This concentration of vacant storefronts has prompted the selection of “Cally Road” as the primary focus for these new intervention powers.
The proposed designation area includes two specific ‘Local Shopping Areas’ which serve as vital economic hubs for the surrounding community. By creating a single, continuous high-street boundary for these powers, the council aims to ensure all eligible premises are treated under a unified strategy. This approach is intended to boost footfall and support existing traders who often suffer from reduced visibility and wider night-time safety concerns associated with clusters of empty shops.
| Feature | Caledonian Road Data |
|---|---|
| Current Vacancy Rate | 17.5% |
| Islington Borough Average | ~9% |
| Requirement for HSRA | Empty for 12+ months |
| Consultation Duration | 28 Days |
Landlord rights and the auction process
While the HSRA powers represent a more assertive stance from the local authority, the council has clarified that landlords maintain full ownership of their properties throughout the process. Landlords will continue to receive the rent generated by the new tenant found through the auction. The powers are intended as a last resort, specifically targeting units where nothing has been done to secure a tenant for an extended period.
Cllr Una O’Halloran, Leader of Islington Council, stated that bringing long-term empty units back into use is essential for building a more equal future. She noted that too many shops on Caledonian Road have been empty for too long, holding back both local businesses and the residents who rely on them. The council has committed to working with landlords first to find solutions before considering the formal auction process for any individual property.
The practical picture for local stakeholders
- Existing Businesses: The new powers do not affect any business currently open and trading; no active business will be forced out.
- Community Benefit: Filling empty units is expected to create a safer, more vibrant environment and reduce anti-social behavior linked to neglected shopfronts.
- Tenant Opportunities: The auction process could provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs, community groups, or startups to secure high-street space that was previously inaccessible.
- No Final Decisions: No specific properties have been selected for auction yet; the current phase focuses entirely on establishing the legal boundary where these powers can apply.
Public consultation and next steps
The 28-day consultation period is now open, providing an opportunity for residents, business owners, and community groups to share their views on the proposed boundary. Feedback gathered during this window will be critical in determining the final area where HSRA powers will be applicable.
Once the consultation closes, the results and a final proposal will be presented to the Council’s Executive for approval. Those wishing to participate can view the detailed boundary maps and submit their responses through the official Let’s Talk Islington portal. Paper copies of the survey and supporting documents are also available for collection at the Jean Stokes Community Centre for those who prefer non-digital formats.
Source: Islington Council
Source check Local Government Source
This report is based on official policy documents and public consultation announcements from Islington Council.
- Verified vacancy statistics for Caledonian Road against council data
- Confirmed consultation dates and participation methods
- Cross-referenced High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) legal framework
- Source
- Islington Council News
- Scope
- Islington
- Updated
- 2026-06-03 22:05
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