As High Streets become blighted by vacant shop fronts, Members of Parliament have tabled proposals that would allow Councils to take over commercial leases and then pass on the opportunity for artists to use empty shops. This move could transform vacant premises into something innovative for a town’s community.

The measures come amid predictions that more than 70,000 retail outlets will close this year. Hazel Blears the communities’ secretary commented in The Guardian, “Town centers are the heartbeat of every community and businesses are the foundation so it is vital they remain vibrant places for people to meet and shop throughout the downturn”.

Which leads one to posing the question about the future of the currently empty premises in the centre of the Marketplace, previously occupied by Savills Estate Agents.

The Council and property owners have a responsibility to don thinking-caps to decide what should become of the Savills premises. This is a unique opportunity to exploit an empty but high profile building and add to the town’s ambiance.

Inken Whitehouse from Goldsmiths in Oundle has commented that “rents are currently very high and it is more than likely that business costs will be too high for a small business”. There is also the question on whether the premises would be suitable for retail purposes. Given the large windows on three sides, perhaps a showroom for local and upcoming artists to showcase their work to the public would be an appropriate solution. It is imperative that Oundle’s Council tries their utmost to ensure that the town continues to make good use of commercial buildings so that residents and visitors alike can benefit.