A plan to tackle long-term empty shops in Bexhill is being put out to consultation.
Rother District Council is asking residents, businesses and partners to give their views on a proposal to make Bexhill Town Centre an area where High Street Rental Auction powers could be used.
The powers, introduced by government, are designed to help bring persistently vacant commercial properties back into use and support the regeneration of high streets.
The proposal follows a detailed review by the council into the potential benefits, risks and resource implications of adopting the powers. The area is being considered as a pilot location for any future use of the scheme within the district.
A recent audit of commercial premises in the town centre found 55 vacant units out of 439 properties surveyed, representing a vacancy rate of 12.5 per cent. While this is slightly below the national average, the audit identified clusters of empty premises in some parts of the town centre, particularly along London Road, Sackville Road, Sea Road and Devonshire Road.
The audit also found that Bexhill continues to benefit from a strong mix of independent businesses, hospitality venues and professional services, but highlighted concerns around long-term vacant units, ageing buildings and changing patterns of high street use.
Councillor Christine Bayliss, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Bexhill town centre has real strengths, with a strong mix of independent businesses, services and community assets, and we want to build on that momentum.
“Taking this next step will allow us to hear directly from residents, businesses, landlords and community partners about the proposed designation area and the role High Street Rental Auctions could potentially play as part of wider regeneration activity.
“It is right that we take a careful, evidence-led approach, learning from other councils that have been early HSRA adopters, and understanding local views before any further decisions are made.”
The consultation is now open and will run until Friday, November 27. Once it has closed, the feedback received, together with further evidence and learning from other authorities, will be considered before a future report is presented to Cabinet on whether the council should proceed with adopting the powers.
For more information and to take part in the consultation, visit: High Street Rental Auctions – Rother District Council
Published: 23rd October 2026
