The Built Environment Committee, a Lords Select Committee, has this morning published a report investigating the evolution of the UK high street, highlighting that a dominant retail presence is on the decline, giving way to restaurants and leisure activities.
It also highlighted an increased demand for public services in town centres, such as health centres and libraries.
Established in 2015, the Committee considers matters relating to the built environment, including policies relating to housing, planning, transport and infrastructure.
The report warns of a “monolithic approach” to the future of the high street, as communities’ wants and needs, alongside what can be realistically sustained, are ever evolving. The report recommends that local authorities, communities and businesses work together to shape adaptable and resilient high streets that are reflective of local conditions.
Another key finding by the Committee is that accessibility is essential for commercial sustainability. However, whilst it acknowledges the need for car access and sufficient parking, it notes that their negative impacts can be mitigated by better public transport links, particularly through improved bus networks. It adds that out-of-town developments, such as retail parks, pose a threat to high streets due to convenient parking.
The decline of retail has left empty units, increasingly filled by cafés and restaurants. There has also been a marked increase in the number of charity shops, which benefit from reduced business rates and typically lower staff costs. Public authorities are also tentatively moving public-facing services – such as surgeries and libraries – onto high streets, increasing footfall for local businesses.
Another key finding was increased demand for green spaces and an “improved public realm”, allowing young people to socialise without spending money.
According to the report, the previous government’s plans to renew UK high streets were not well coordinated, and 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”.
It adds that the government should recognise that local authorities 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.
Finally, the Committee said it welcomed the announcement of plans to review the Business Rates system.
Lord Moylan, Chairman of the Committee, 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.
“Retail will always be important, but people want to see a variety of businesses and other services such as NHS diagnostic centres and libraries on their high street. And they can’t be successful if there isn’t a convenient way, both by public transport and by car, to get to them.
“Delivering a successful and sustainable high street often involves a local leader, who can be from the local community, authority or business. This leader very often motivates teams from the public and private sector to use their imagination to breathe new life into their high street. 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.”
