James Mitchell of Axion Architects reports from the latest High Streets Expert Panel meeting.

We met for our second expert panel meeting. Following our 1st meeting we split the group into 4 x sub-groups to interrogate 4 case studies of different high streets. 

 

 

Focusing first on National and International. The role of markets can play a huge role in revitalising high streets, but also championing independent retail. Oxford has a covered market for over a 100 years and is a focus for regeneration and investment.  Bristol has 6 markets which are coordinated so not competing.

 

Covent garden, one of the most famous destinations in the world has a unique square and market which is diverse and attracts the local and the global. 

 

So what are the lessons for markets? 

 

 

Other case studies included New Brighton, Stockton on Tees with Castlegate shopping centre which has a historic centre and anchor, and has genuine community engagement. 

 

An international case study a colleague presented is a building in Rotterdam which was rebuilt in the Bauhaus style. A local retailer enforced other retailers with court action to make sure the streets were kept clean, up to date and looked after. 

 

More stick less carrot? 

 

Looking closer at central London, there are over 600 highstreets, which accounts for 20% of the high streets in the UK. 

 

Zone 1 attracts Londoners, tourists and international travel. There’s a tension between the local and the global, particularly Oxford Street. Could highstreets support community hubs and can local authorities support organic change? 

 

The high streets in Zone 1 are generally in control of major investment such as Argent’s Granary square, and Great Portland Estates. These partnerships can really help develop a stable strategy to build sustainable and thriving high streets. 

 

Brent Cross is another great example of developer working in partnership with local authority. Having the expertise of a developer, and the patience of a local authority really enables long term strategic thinking. 

 

Local authorities are the perfect anchor tenant for high streets and towns and Ealing council are retrofitting their civic centre instead of a complete redevelopment. Their high streets taskforce has really improved micro-businesses.