Making sure our towns and villages thrive and we are doing as much as possible to support the local economy is such an important role for Rother District Council.
The success of our high streets is key to our economy and we often have to look at innovative ways of ensuring our towns flourish.
I was delighted to join my Cabinet colleagues to agreed to start work on a potential scheme to bring vacant high street properties back into use in Bexhill, which would act as a pilot for other areas in the district.
A relatively new power for local authorities – High Street Rental Auctions (HRSA) – enables us to require landlords to rent out persistently vacant commercial properties to new tenants such as local businesses or community groups.
Empty units can have such a damaging effect on our town centres, and I look forward to seeing what difference we can make by taking this action.
The district council is no stranger to finding new ways to solve issues affecting our community. Last year approval was given to lease 11 former public conveniences to businesses that will continue to provide public access to facilities.
The cost of providing and maintaining public conveniences, and in particular dealing with vandalism of such facilities is unsustainable considering the increase in costs and reduction in Government funding.
With 11 leases already approved, officers continue to work on six further public conveniences that could become coffee shops and cycle hire shops – boosting the local economy, creating a revenue stream for the council and providing a service residents and visitors.
In Bexhill, work continues on repair and refurbishment of the historic Colonnade. As reported in my previous columns, the building dates back to 1911 and commemorates the coronation of King George V. But time has taken its toll and urgent work was needed to ensure it remains the focal point of our seafront for generations to come.
With that work well underway, despite the awful weather we’ve experienced this year, we are ready to start looking at how we market the units to businesses.
Officers have been extremely busy considering how the units could be used to ensure the success of the Colonnade.
One issue they faced was a 25-year-lease held by Wingrove House Limited which included an exclusivity clause meaning no other food or drink outlets could operate within the Colonnade. This would hamper our efforts in ensuring the site reached its full regeneration potential and that local businesses, residents and visitor felt the full benefits of the project.
I am pleased to say that revised the terms to surrender the 25-year lease, which has 18 years remaining, have been agreed.
With repair and decoration work going well, we expect the Colonnade to be ready for businesses by summer and I can’t wait to see the area thrive once again.
Ends.
Published: 20th February 2026
