Future Plans for Town Centre Revitalization

Future Plans for Town Centre Revitalization

England's high streets have been in a prolonged crisis, often referred to as a 'permacrisis', since the 2008 financial crisis. As the question remains about what the new government will do to address this issue, a proposed replacement for the High Streets (Designation, Review and Improvement Plan) Bill offers practical solutions.

The new plan, announced in 2025, focuses on deregulation, streamlined licensing, and empowering local authorities to revitalize high streets. The core elements include:

1. New powers for local authorities to regenerate high streets and fill commercial vacancies, supported by schemes like the High Street Rental Auctions that enable councils to lease out empty commercial properties vacant for over 12 months.
2. The introduction of a National Licensing Policy Framework designed to standardize and simplify the process across England, eliminating inconsistent local rules. This makes it faster and cheaper for small businesses to open cafes, bars, and music venues on the high street.
3. The creation of ‘hospitality zones’ where permissions for alfresco dining, street events, and extended opening hours will be fast-tracked. These zones aim to increase footfall by making outdoor dining and local events easier to set up.
4. The adoption of the ‘Agent of Change’ principle, making developers responsible for soundproofing when building near existing pubs, clubs, or music venues, protecting these venues from noise complaints and supporting nightlife culture.
5. A broader plan tied to the government’s Small Business Plan, which will deliver further steps to unlock growth for SMEs, support small firms, and bring empty premises back into community use.

These reforms aim to bring more life and commercial activity back to England’s high streets by 2025-2026. The proposed replacement for the High Streets Bill is an integrated package of deregulation, streamlined licensing, local authority powers to lease and regenerate vacant properties, and protections for hospitality venues.

The Coronavirus pandemic has accelerated many of the changes on the high street, making it crucial to address these issues promptly. Initiatives and funding schemes such as the Future High Streets Fund, High Street Heritage Action Zones, the Long Term Plan for Towns, High Street Accelerators, and the High Streets Task Force have been created to help high street retailers adapt.

The High Streets Task Force provides tailored guidance, support, and resources to local authorities on high street issues. Despite the withdrawal of the High Streets (Designation, Review and Improvement Plan) Bill, the focus remains on finding effective solutions to revitalize England's high streets.

The LGA has criticized the Bill as unnecessary and a distraction from what councils need to protect high streets. Many high street retailers are facing ever-increasing numbers of empty units, and the traditional variety of the high street is a distant memory for many towns and cities.

However, it's important to remember that shops are not the only component of high streets. A variety of uses, such as residential properties, leisure facilities, and unique businesses, can assist in ensuring their vitality and viability. The inclusion of residential uses in town centers can increase footfall and reduce the fear of crime and other cultural impacts associated with town centers during the evening.

Examples of repurposing larger empty shop units include converting them to leisure facilities such as escape rooms, go kart tracks, or axe throwing. Councils moving their offices to town centers can also help improve daytime footfall.

In conclusion, the proposed replacement for the High Streets Bill offers a comprehensive approach to address the challenges facing England's high streets. By focusing on deregulation, streamlined licensing, and empowering local authorities, the plan aims to revitalize high streets and bring them back to life.

1. Under the new plan announced in 2025, local government will be granted greater powers to revitalize high streets and fill commercial vacancies, with schemes like High Street Rental Auctions allowing councils to lease out empty properties for over 12 months.
2. To simplify the process for small businesses, a National Licensing Policy Framework will be introduced, standardizing regulations across England, thereby making it faster and cheaper for cafes, bars, and music venues to open on the high street.
3. In an effort to increase footfall on England's high streets, 'hospitality zones' will be created where permissions for alfresco dining, street events, and extended opening hours will be fast-tracked, making outdoor dining and local events easier to set up.

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