Revitalising High Streets

The role of the high street within communities has been evolving over the past two decades. The marked rise in online shopping, which accelerated significantly during the pandemic, is the latest challenge to retail businesses dependent on footfall for sales. Telephone services, retail parks and supermarkets have all changed the role of the high street for consumers - moving from holding an essential to a discretionary function. Town councils, city planners and major developers have all had to rethink how high streets can adapt to the post-Covid world, attract more footfall and re-engage with communities.

This House Briefing will explore the key challenges facing high streets, delving into case studies from impressive innovators. Hear from policy experts and leaders in the planning and development industry who will share their insights offering practical knowledge and solutions to the challenges facing our high streets.

Of course, these challenges also represent opportunities for new, innovative business ideas and community engagement. The Government’s Levelling Up White Paper has allocated funding to breathe new life into some of the UK’s less prosperous conurbations. Available within the Levelling Up plan is funding via the £2.4bn Towns Fund, the £830m Future High Streets Fund, and a £2bn Culture Recovery Fund helping museums, theatres, cinemas and heritage organisations. Using the funds available and taking a ‘lessons learned’ approach will be crucial in revitalising local high streets across the UK.

Key Takeaways

• What are the key trends impacting high streets? 
• Case studies demonstrating innovative policies and practices for revitalising high streets
• How can local authorities, businesses and community organisations work together?

9:30

Chair's Introduction

9:35

Opening address

9:55

Highstreet trends and the ‘new normal’

• The history of high streets
• The challenges presented by ‘out-of-town’ retail and the rise of internet shopping
• The impact of the pandemic and the ‘new normal’
• Place making

10:20

The environment/transport

• Creating green spaces
• Low emission zones
• Pedestrianisation and low traffic schemes

10:55

CASE STUDY - From functionality to experiential – meeting the needs of consumers

An example of retailers becoming more experientially focused to meet consumer needs

11:40

CASE STUDY – an example of reimagining space on the high street

12:15

CASE STUDY – an example of local authorities, businesses and community organisations working together

13:00

Lunch break

13:30

Creating intergenerational spaces

• The importance of intergenerational relationships and spaces for communities
• Developing intergenerational spaces
• Examples of good intergenerational space creation practice

14:05

CASE STUDY – Supporting local stakeholders, residents and businesses

14:40

Creating safer places

15:10

Chair's closing remarks

15:15

Event close

• Councillors
• Town Mayors
• Planning Officers
• Project Managers
• Business Development Officers
• Consultants (business, planning consultants and industry bodies)
• Business Owners
• Strategic Planning Managers
• Heads of Infrastructure
• Chief Executives