NEW powers could see empty shop units brought back into use quicker, as part of a pilot scheme to be discussed by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole councillors.

BCP Council is one of the first local authorities to trial the High Street Rental Auction scheme, giving it more authority to bring persistently empty units in Bournemouth back into ownership.

Under the scheme, the council will be allowed to intervene when properties are left empty and unused in Bournemouth centre for more than 365 days during a two-year period.

The council can step in and work with landlords and agents to put these leases up for auction through a ‘right to rent’ lot for businesses and community groups.

A consultation was held to identify which area should be designated for the scheme and 75% of respondents approved of the proposed zone spanning from Durley Chine Road along West Cliff, through Bournemouth town centre, and to Manor Road in East Cliff.

The powers come shortly after businesses reported a successful summer in the town centre with more than 10 million trips made.

The number of returning visitors to Bournemouth more than doubled, year on year.

Floorspace and shop units have already been proactively brought back into use with businesses such as Barbara’s Bier Haus, The Botanist, VR Mania, Wenzel’s, Pineapple Island and Sport It First all opening their doors this year.

The Botanist’s launch was their most successful ever and the council is continuing to work with businesses to build on the positive progress being made.

BCP Council portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations Cllr Richard Herrett, said: “Our high streets are the heartbeat of our communities and these new powers will help us keep them vibrant and thriving.

“By tackling long-term vacancies head-on, we can create even more opportunities for local businesses and community groups to bring fresh energy to the town centre.”

Vacancy rates within Bournemouth remain in-line with the national average – at 20% – and major developments are already underway to bring one third of empty units back into immediate use.

In the last two years, across the BCP-area 64 new start-up businesses have launched because of targeted UK Shared Prosperity Fund support, while more than 440 jobs have been created and protected.

The proposals will be discussed by BCP Council’s cabinet on December 17.