An urban thinktank, Create Streets, has released a report suggesting that UK high streets could be revived through low-cost changes, rather than expensive regeneration projects. The report, co-produced by Cyclehoop, argues that smaller adjustments aimed at making town and city centres more appealing could be a better solution to their long-term decline.
Central to the study's recommendations is the reduction or removal of motor traffic, as urban centres are often designed for vehicles rather than for people to spend time in. The report also criticises planning regulations that favour conformity and clutter, and treat speeding cars as a given.
Calculations within the report indicate that replacing a typical high street parking space, which generates about £73,000 annually in spending, with nine share e-bikes could generate over £146,000 a year in spending. In busier cities, this figure could exceed £300,000. Repurposing the space for outside dining in a city centre could also lead to approximately £120,000 in extra annual spending.
The report advocates for a cultural shift, including low-cost tweaks to remove unnecessary street furniture and better utilise kerbsides. It suggests that removing pedestrian guardrails next to roads is the most cost-effective upgrade for many high streets, deeming them an eyesore with minimal safety benefits.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously pledged to reverse the decline of high streets, announcing a £210m regeneration fund in September. However, the Create Streets report suggests that renovating buildings, which will receive the bulk of this funding, is ineffective if the surrounding street remains unappealing. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated it supports local leaders in making decisions on pedestrianisation and that funding is available for their priorities.