The House of Lords’ Built Environment Committee has published its latest report, High Streets: Life beyond retail?, which urges a focus on diversity in the local high street, noting there is now a “greater demand and opportunity for restaurants and leisure activities.”
The Built Environment Committee has recommended that local authorities work more closely with businesses and local residents to prioritise high quality, sustainable and diverse High Street offerings, with an ambitious remit that goes beyond traditional retail.
In its High Streets: Life beyond retail? report, the House of Lords committee urged the new Government to ensure its local growth funding reforms allow high streets to flourish in the long term, incorporating more projects that reflect the changing tastes of consumers.
“Local high streets are places where generations have shopped, socialised and worked,” said committee chair Lord Moylan. “Many of them are in decline and to reverse this they need to look beyond being simply a destination for shoppers. Retail will always be important, but people want to see a variety of businesses and other services.”
“Decision-makers shouldn’t be afraid of trying new things. However, they should be mindful of the quality of what is delivered, as only well designed and built spaces will have any chance of standing the test of time.”
As well as a focus on the fact that there is evidently a “greater demand and opportunity for restaurants and leisure activities,” the committee also recommended relocating public services such as NHS diagnostic centres and libraries onto the high street.
Greater consideration should also be given to enhancing access “both by public transport and by car,” as well as improving safety and the number of green spaces available to those looking to socialise in the area.
“Local authorities and the Government create the structures for high street renewal. The planning system, taxation and funding can all impact the success or failure of projects to revive local places. But, the previous Government’s plans to revive high streets were not well coordinated.”
“The new Government’s local growth funding reforms must ensure that high streets are enabled to flourish in the long term, and that those responsible for their future have enough expertise to deliver improvements.”
“The Government should recognise that local authority bidding for central funding has become expensive and wasteful and should consider replacing that approach with a transparent system of funding distribution that commands greater confidence.”
