Britain’s town centres and high streets are often at the heart of people’s sense of place and local identity. Changes in global and local economies have put this under pressure, with 1 in 12 shops having closed in England and Wales in the last 5 years. With the radical global shift in how we use and relate to our local resources, it may be time to empower local authorities and communities to deliver a high street revolution.
So what are the key challenges and how can town centres flourish in the future?
DWF conducted a public survey and participated in a panel discussion on the issue at the recent Conservative Party Conference.