Can a return to Localism save the High Street?

This post-lockdown environment could provide an opportunity for High Streets to become a truly sustainable urban centre. One that not only addresses environmental concerns but also the change in social and economic aspects that have been brought about by Covid-19.

Holmes Miller has developed a number of design incursions that could be made within a High Street to look at how a commerce led, mono-use environment can be developed into a vibrant, sustainable town centre at the same time considering how the digital overlay of a Town Centre App (T.C.A.) can give an enhanced accessibility to many aspects of life and services provided.

Town Centre as rediscovered destination

Once residents visit their town centre on a more regular basis, rather than commuting into a city centre business district, an increased mixture of uses will be introduced into the High Street to meet new demands. This will perpetuate footfall and create services that people need as part of a joined-up visit.

A parent may drop a child at a teaching space or nursery and then go shopping or meet friends at a café. A doctor’s surgery is well connected by the existing public transport infrastructure rather than being on the edge of town as it takes over a vacant retail unit. Its presence in the town spawns the need for a pharmacy and complimentary uses such as physiotherapy centres, exercise studios and gyms promoting a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

Businesses that have become successful in supplying veg boxes in lockdown now want to expand into the physical domain and a fresh produce market is held once a week, complemented by a craft market selling the wares of those who have developed new skills and hobbies while at home. These markets take place in a new piece of public realm created on a vacant site which is also used for live music events and other activities every day of the week.

The High Street has now established a 24 hour, 7 day a week vibrancy of complementary uses creating a social and economic sustainability for the town.

T.C.A.

As well as keeping people up to date with public events the app is used make health appointments, personal training and gym sessions and to be alerted as to when prescriptions are prepared and ready for collection. This is linked to real time access and travel information and health advice.

Over the past 5 days we have suggested a number of design incursions that could be made within a High Street that consider how a commerce led, mono-use activated environment can be developed into a vibrant, sustainable town centre with greater social interaction, community spirit and local identity.

To support the economic success and sustainability of a high street places where people work, live, shop and spend leisure time must exist in a balanced manner. This balance will not be the same for each situation with the choice and placing of the facilities that people actually need being paramount, along with the ability to flex to accommodate changing trends and practices.

Holmes Miller’s cross sector experience covering residential, retail, commercial, health, masterplanning and leisure buildings means that we are ideally suited to consider how each of these uses could be incorporated into a town centre and work together for its betterment.

Visit www.holmesmiller.com/work for more information on our projects and sector expertise.