Posted on 27 July 2020
The redevelopment of historic high street locations
continues to prove challenging due to reduced demand for retail space as a
result of competition from the online retail market. However, there are funding
opportunities available to aid high street development and give local shops a
fighting chance.
Prior to the recently announced September planning reforms, the
Government launched the ‘Future High Streets Fund’, with Boris Johnson
promising a scheme that would “reenergise and transform even more of our high
streets - helping them to attract new businesses, boost local growth, and
create new infrastructure and jobs.”
It is proposed that the new funding will be used to convert
empty retail units into new homes and workplaces, and improve transport and
access into town centres in an effort to revitalise these areas.
Clearly something needs to be done to keep the physical high
street spaces alive, but will these measures mean that high streets will no
longer serve as retail centres for local communities? Or are they destined only to accommodate more
cafes and restaurants, residential space and offices?
Will funding actually help? Let us know what you think.
Sarah Ball
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