Matt Morris’ Post

https://lnkd.in/e7UP93Qe The Built Environment Committee has published its report, ‘High Streets: Life beyond retail?’, following its inquiry into high streets in towns and small cities. The report re-confirms what we have known for some time, including that dominance of retail on high streets is something of the past. Whilst shopping will still be a key feature, there is greater demand and opportunity for restaurants and leisure activities, as well as for more public services, such as health centres and libraries, in town centres. What communities want and what can be sustained on the high street is constantly evolving, so a fixed vision and monolithic approach to their future should be avoided. 

The Built Environment Committee has published its report, ‘High Streets: Life beyond retail?’, following its inquiry into high streets in towns and small cities #smallbusiness #SMEs #ukhousing #ukproperty #markettraders

#InTheNews: Some cities are reforming zoning rules to create opportunities for small-scale retail in residential communities, reported by Linda Baker in Bloomberg:

I came across this fascinating article in The Wall Street Journal discussing a unique approach to tackling affordable housing: building residential units on top of retail spaces like Costco. It’s an innovative idea that combines the need for urban housing with existing infrastructure, maximizing land use and addressing housing shortages in high-demand areas. This got me thinking: while creative solutions like this are promising, they highlight an even bigger issue—the political and regulatory environment around building housing in the U.S. In many cities, zoning laws, community pushback, and lengthy approval processes make it incredibly difficult to build, even in areas desperate for affordable options. What would it take to create a political and regulatory context where building affordable housing is not just possible but encouraged? Could more partnerships between private developers, retailers, and local governments streamline the process? And how can we balance the need for housing with the concerns of existing communities? The need for affordable housing is urgent, but achieving it requires systemic change. We must foster a political climate that prioritizes housing as a fundamental need. #AffordableHousing #UrbanDevelopment #HousingCrisis #InnovationInRealEstate

"What communities want and what can be sustained on the high street is constantly evolving, so a fixed vision and monolithic approach to their future should be avoided. Local authorities, communities and businesses need to work together to shape high streets that are reflective of local conditions, adaptable, and resilient." Artspace Lifespace helped contribute to this report from The House Of Lords looking at how to revitalise our high streets. Recommendations include more markets, more public toilets and a move from retail to leisure facilities. https://lnkd.in/epTXGJcM

Last week was a big week for high streets with the conclusion of the High Streets Task Force (HSTF) and the publication of the Lords Report. Amongst some, there was mock disappointment that a question mark had been added after retail but that aside the report was seen as reflecting the key learnings and research from HSTF and the wide range of people and organisations who gave evidence. For us, the more interesting points were: - High street reinvention is a team effort and not down to one person or organisation alone. We spend a lot of time on projects trying to ensure that the local authority is not holding responsibility for all of the project – actions needs to be allocated to many - New approaches/buildings/offers need to be embraced by local people rather than forced on them whether that's via consultation, engagement or more informally asking what they think. - Markets and events are great options for experimentation alongside pop-up, meanwhile etc - Amenities are important – parks, toilets, parking. Parking is so emotive and needs to be in the right place for those who need it whether that’s people with access needs, workers or deliveries but we also need a more mature debate on free parking and parking in front of every shop not being the magic formula that will “save the high street” - Make everyone feel safe and welcome across the day and evening (and ensure they can get home) which takes in lighting, transport (and amenities for late night workers) and much more It’s not a one size fits all approach and many places do not need another report; they need help to mobilise and make change happen. We hope that the HSTF and Lords reports help to convey this. If you'd like to discuss how to bring change to your town centre or implement any of the recommended approaches across the two reports, contact us for a chat. #highstreets #activation #animation #towncentres #industryreports https://lnkd.in/gRfJ7DiY

How are high streets to thrive in a world in which bricks and mortar retail is in a seemingly unstoppable decline? That's the challenge for local authorities across the UK who have a responsibility to ensure their town centres are thriving hearts of the community. According to the House of Lords Built Environment Committee, the answer is threefold: local leadership, innovation, quality. So far, so orthodox; but their report published last week, 'High Streets: Life beyond retail?' has a number of interesting planning recommendations. Among them: - expansion of the commercially flexible use class E - review of permitted development rights that allow shops to be converted into houses - greater use of Article 4 directions to curate high streets - NPPF amendments to prioritise town centre first retail and support location of libraries, civid buildings and health centres on high streets. There's plenty more to take in - not least a complete overhaul of towns funding streams - and our news report does a thorough job, with commentary from the committee chair Daniel Moylan and high streets expert Vicky Payne. Have a read and tell us what you think in the comments below: https://lnkd.in/eVUkHQpY Pic credit: William Barton, Shutterstock #highstreets #towncentres #urbanplanning

Places and Spaces Reinvented: what is the future for our towns, high streets and shopping centres? Whatever Government is in power by the end of this week they can take heart from the fact that a renewed sense of optimism is returning to the UK's urban renewal community. According to the latest research by Lambert Smith Hampton and Revo - Retail. Property. Community., there are significant plans for investment and development over the next 5 years in some of our town centres and high streets; but the challenge for a new Government is that more is needed to help deliver their long-term sustainable regeneration. The LSH/Revo report provides some new ideas on how we can all address these challenges. Read more here > https://bit.ly/4eGa77T Or download the report in full here > https://bit.ly/3zszJoB For more information or to arrange a one-to-one discussion to review the report in further detail, please contact Dr. Steve Norris or Vivienne King. #Research #HighStreets #Towns #TownCentres #ShoppingCentres

FREE WEBINAR ALERT (for TOMORROW)! Ever notice how people will COMPLAIN ABOUT HAVING TO PARK one block away from the heart of a vibrant and compelling Main Street but not 1/5th of a mile away (across a foreboding, uninteresting surface lot) from the mall or multiplex entrance? Or how the distances and inconveniences we're willing to tolerate tend to be contingent on the specific retail categories we're planning on patronizing? I'll be delving into these and other curiosities as part of a Connecticut Main Street Center-sponsored, one-hour ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION on "PARKING REQUIREMENTS IN DOWNTOWN AND MAIN STREET SETTINGS" this Thursday (May 23rd) at 11 am EST / 10 am CST / 9 am MST / 8 am PST (see link below to register, open to all). I'll be considering the matter through the lenses of the consumer and the retailer, while the critical perspectives of the public and private sectors will be channeled through Mark Barnhart (Director of Community and Economic Development, Town of Fairfield) and Alyssa Kent (Senior Development Director and Design Director, Spinnaker Real Estate Partners), respectively. Come join the conversation about everyone's favorite subject! #retailcontrarian #retail #retailleasing #retailrealestate #retailproperty #retaildevelopment #retailmarket #retailbroker #retailspace #retailindustry #retailers #downtown #mainstreet #mainstreets #citycenter #citycentre #highstreet #urbanretail #icsc #commercialrealestate #ida #iedc #uli #icma #planning #urbandevelopment #jll #citymanager #cnu #urbanist #strongtowns #businessimprovementdistrict #bid #bia #retailbrew #storefront #downtownrevitalization #nyt #wsj #urbanregeneration #planetizen #economicdevelopment #storefronts #atcm #15minutecity #vacantstorefronts #storefrontvacancy #retailvacancy #parking #onstreetparking #offstreetparking #parkingsupply #parkingtoday #connecticut #cmsc #parkade #carpark #parkingrequirements #parkingauthority #automobileaccess #access #parkingfacilities #parkinggarage #donaldshoup

▶️ "Investment in our high streets is investment in our communities" ◀️ Check out Holly Lewis (We Made That)'s article for The Guardian on how transforming vacant buildings can turn high streets into hubs for health, education and sustainability — and where government might best focus its efforts and spending. How to start making this happen where you are? As Holly puts it, "This will require convening partners who may not usually work together – health services with market traders or universities with shop landlords – in a place-based model, where differences between groups who may not be used to joining forces are overcome for the sake of a shared location." 🪄 Long-term change and vibrancy will only happen if partners like councils, asset owners and community leaders collaborate, to unlock buildings for amazing ideas that meet local needs (what we call #LocalPropertyPartnerships) 🏘️ https://lnkd.in/ehvjwbhW Mark Robinson Ion Fletcher Naomi Rubbra Frances Northrop Rebecca Trevalyan Amanprit Arnold