The Built Environment Committee has published its report, High Streets: Life beyond Retail?’, following its inquiry into high streets in towns and small cities.
Committee Chairman, Lord Moylan, said: Local high streets are places where generations have shopped, socialised and worked. Many of them are in decline and to reverse this they need to look beyond being simply a destination for shoppers.”
The key findings from the report are:
- The dominance of retail on high streets is something of the past. Whilst shopping will still be a key feature, there is greater demand and opportunity for restaurants and leisure activities, as well as for more public services, such as health centres and libraries, in town centres.
- What communities want and what can be sustained on the high street is constantly evolving, so a fixed vision and monolithic approach to their future should be avoided. Local authorities, communities and businesses need to work together to shape high streets that are reflective of local conditions, adaptable, and resilient.
- High streets will only thrive if people can get to them easily and safely. Access by car and sufficient parking are necessary for commercial sustainability, though their adverse consequences can be mitigated by better public transport connectivity, particularly through improved bus networks. Traditional high streets are in competition with the convenience of parking arrangements in out-of-town developments.
