Town Centre & Urban Change

Town centres and high streets continue to face significant structural change, driven by long‑term shifts in consumer behaviour, including the growth of online retail, changing patterns of footfall and evolving occupier demand. This has resulted in the loss of traditional retail occupiers and a notable increase in vacant space across many locations.

The challenge of revitalising town centres and high streets, alongside supporting local economic growth, is therefore increasingly urgent and must be planned carefully. There is a recognised over‑supply of retail floorspace in the UK, but each town centre is distinctive in terms of its catchment, spending patterns and competitive position. New anchor concepts are emerging that can drive town centres forward; however, these need to be supported by a balanced mix and critical mass of retail, leisure and complementary uses to succeed.

There is also growing recognition of the importance of local amenities, access to green space, leisure and culture, alongside more flexible approaches to how and where people work. Together, these present opportunities for town centres to diversify, reposition and play a broader role as places to live, work, visit and socialise.