Broxtowe leads the way nationally on High Street Rental Auctions as work begins on Old Rock pub

Renovations will bring the pub up to a minimum lettable standard, consisting of the replacement of core internal infrastructure including electric and gas supplies, new flooring and new toilets in addition to external works that will replace windows and the render – vastly improving the appearance of the building which sits in a prominent position in the town. 

Any further funding required above and beyond the MHCLG grant will need to be funded by the owner or take the form of a repayable grant agreement and be of direct benefit to an incoming tenant.

As Broxtowe are the first Council nationally to successfully facilitate and carry out the High Street Rental Auctions process, the MHCLG has awarded a £196,500 grant to Broxtowe to complete the renovations.

Following the launch of HSRA in Stapleford in March 2025, the Old Rock pub was identified as satisfying both the ‘vacancy condition’ (unoccupied continuously for 12 months or for at least 366 days non-continuously within a 24-month period) and the ‘local benefit condition’ (occupation of the premises for a suitable high street use would be beneficial to the local economy, society or environment).

Once works are complete to bring the building back to a lettable standard, the council will auction the lease rights for up to five years, with the aim of turning the space back into a thriving hub in the heart of Stapleford.

Portfolio Holder for Asset Management and Development, Councillor Milan Radulovic MBE, said, “High streets are the beating hearts of our towns, providing essential third spaces for people to socialise, shop, eat and drink – places where local identity thrives.

“I’m proud that Broxtowe are leading the way on this initiative, with recognition of the great work we’re doing from the MHCLG, taking a proactive approach in ensuring our high streets and towns are attractive places to live, work, and meet. I’m particularly pleased to be taking action to bring the Old Rock back into use, which has been a concern among residents since its closure in 2020.

“We’re still in the early stages in both Stapleford and Eastwood, and we’re looking forward to making some real positive change to our town centres in the coming months and continuing to lead the way nationally.”

The renovations are due to complete in summer 2026, with the auction process then beginning in search of a tenant.

The Council have already demonstrated early successes in the HSRA process in Stapleford, becoming the first Council to issue a High Street Rental Auction Notice in August 2025, resulting in the lease and opening of Be Couture.

High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) are a new permissive power for local authorities to require landlords to rent out persistently vacant commercial properties to new tenants such as local businesses or community groups, which Broxtowe Borough Council are currently undertaking in Stapleford and Eastwood. Local authorities will be able to take action to fill long term vacant properties by auctioning lease rights for up to 5 years.

When we select the premises for HSRA, it must satisfy the 'vacancy condition' and the ‘local benefit condition'.