Britain’s high streets have long been the economic and social heart of our communities. However, they are under growing pressure from changing consumer habits, rising costs, and the increasing dominance of online retail. Vacant shops, declining footfall, and struggling businesses are common sights in towns and cities across the UK. Against a difficult economic backdrop, where the value of total high street sales has consistently increased despite total volume of sales decreasing (meaning fewer sales, at higher prices), there is a grim feeling of decline in our town centres. And the public feels it – with consumer confidence 40% lower than it was at the time of the election in July last year. If left unaddressed, this decline threatens not only local economies but also the cultural and social fabric of our communities.
This campaign will explore innovative policies and practical solutions to help high streets adapt, thrive, and remain central to community life. We will examine ways to repurpose vacant spaces, encourage diverse high street uses beyond retail, and harness new technologies to revitalise local economies. Our work will bring together policymakers, local leaders, and business representatives to develop a forward-looking strategy for high street renewal.
At the heart of this campaign is a commitment to ensuring high streets remain vibrant, sustainable, and resilient. By promoting flexible planning policies, targeted investment, and new business models, we will help shape a high street renaissance that balances economic vitality with social value.
Steering committee
Mark Robinson
Head of Regeneration, NewRiver REIT
Mark is a high-profile leader in retail property, regeneration and placemaking. His position was recognised when he was appointed to lead the government’s High Street Task Force in July 2020, following his role as Revo President in 2019.
Over three decades, Mark has worked in all aspects of the industry as an advisor, investor/developer, and occupier. In 2008, he co-founded Ellandi, a business that undertook over 50 projects in the UK with a value in excess of £2.0bn. In July 2024, NewRiver REIT acquired Ellandi, where Mark is now Head of Regeneration.
Mark has successfully built teams and joint ventures that have won industry accolades for diversity and inclusion, entrepreneurialism, public/private partnerships, and workplace culture. He is a passionate advocate of the role of community in repurposing and shaping the purpose of our future places in response to the challenges and opportunities presented by the current market.
Diane Cunningham
Director, The Assembly Line/Fellow, Institute of Place Management
Diane is a project director and consultant for places with more than 20 years’ experience. As director of The Assembly Line she provides strategic advice and project management which helps high streets and markets to be more resilient as they adapt to change.
Working with the public, private and third sector she has supported enterprise, developed commercial and operational plans to bring buildings back to life and created visions, strategies and action plans through engagement with a diverse range of business and institutional stakeholders to create resilient and vibrant spaces that benefit everyone.
Diane was appointed as an expert to the government’s High Street Task Force (2020-24) to support local authorities across England in solving the complex problems facing their high streets and sat on the inaugural London Markets Board, created to protect the capital’s street markets.
