That was the enthusiastically upbeat title of a presentation I delivered this week to Warwickshire Towns Network…
…an opportunity to set out for local #placemaking teams why we so strongly believe in the ‘place partnership’ approach whatever empty ‘shop’ numbers you have, and the elements we’re seeing that contribute to our optimism about the #highstreet.
Places are delivering significant reductions in their vacancy rates…
A lengthening list of brands are opening stores and venues, and publishing requirement lists for new locations;
We’re seeing more from our list of ‘alternative’ or maybe better described as ‘additional’ uses taking space;
More councils are investing in grant schemes to overcome barriers to letting and improving the ‘look’ of our town and city centres;
We’re learning how to re-purpose former department stores, large ex-brand units and banks;
Landlords and place leaders are seeing the benefits of pop up or ‘meanwhile… use’ beyond simple rates mitigation and as a way to test and build a track record for uses that will add to your mix and stay long term;
New events, activations, #streetart, ‘promote’ campaigns & more are being funded, delivered and extended, so adding to the vibrancy and vitality of our places.
As we always emphasise, it’s challenging still and there’s lots to do, but there are #HighStreetPositives, not least of which, on tackling vacancy, is…
We know how to do this…!
As a Ps. It’s worth saying that one reason for our cheerfulness is chatting to owners of new shops and venues in towns we’re working about why they’ve opened up and their positivity looking ahead. After all, without them….
