COMMENT Even before the coronavirus crisis, many of our UK towns and cities were struggling. Technology, social media and changing generational attitudes had all contributed to structural shifts in consumer behaviours and needs.
Central and local government had already acknowledged the crucial role that town centres play in the life and wellbeing of the communities they serve – as well as the fact that there could be too many shops. The launch of the Future High Streets Fund in 2019 was a strong statement of intent, and specifically encouraged investment proposals focused on regeneration and alternative uses. In many locations, local authorities have already started taking a directly interventionist approach to rebalance their towns. This call to action is going to become ever more relevant as we move out of “lockdown” and plan for recovery.
Ellandi’s diverse portfolio of community-led, town centre assets mean that we sit at the sharp end of both retailer difficulties and the damaging effect of high street failures on communities. We also see first-hand the positive impact of centrally located community uses, and the benefits of even the smallest, targeted interventions in making a place.
Action starts with a fresh type of data and engagement. How does the wider community currently use the town centre, and what does it need? What does it offer, and what is it missing? In other words, what is the place’s purpose and potential?
A plan is required to bring stakeholders together, formulating a solution which responds to the social and commercial needs identified. How can it be distinctive, while providing for everyday needs and anchoring future development with social infrastructure? Then effective commercial delivery is required. This ranges from comprehensive redevelopment projects through to targeted tenant engagement. It should ensure best value, promote vitality during transition, and offer space to those who need it along the way.
Rewarding bold leadership
The Revo Gold Awards, which I have been asked to chair this year, have tracked exemplar projects where local authorities have demonstrated bold leadership in their interventions to secure the vitality and economic vibrancy of their towns and cities. Hull (pictured) won the Revo Gold Award for Regeneration in 2018, having impressed the judges with the Destination Hull project. This involved a series of interventions, touching every part of the city centre to ensure that it is a more vibrant place to visit, shop, work, and live.
The investment delivered a 3,500-capacity arena, refurbishment of a covered market, and a rejuvenated waterfront through retail, office and residential development, all underpinned by major public realm works providing a clear route through the city from the rail station to the waterfront Fruit Market area. Most importantly, these interventions have benefited the local economy.
By the autumn, as a result of the huge amount of continuing work in response to the government’s levelling-up agenda, there will be more than 100 “shovel-ready” projects that could have a similar impact.
This is a huge opportunity for the public and private sector to collaborate in new and innovative ways, such as strategic delivery partnerships, to rise to the challenge of repurposing retail. Dealing with the sad aftermath of Covid-19 can only emphasise the central role of town centres for communities, and can catalyse the positive change if we take the right steps together.
At a time of national emergency, we look to our political leaders for direction and we look to the centre of our towns and cities for significance. It is no accident that when wishing to reconnect and bind society, such as applauding our NHS workers that are on the front-line in the current crisis, we light up our civic buildings.
Julie Pears is development director at Ellandi
