Author Archives: Iain Nicholson

Thrilled to say that 3 more organisations (with 11 #highstreet locations in-scope between them) have signed to run the ‘audit, engage’ elements of #TheVacantShopsAcademy approach to tackling empty shops issues. It’s really good to have new places keen to understand … Continue reading →

Another week, one more list of incoming #highstreet finance sector closures. Another town, and more conversations about the role the place could play in getting ex- #retail bank or building society units back into use. It’s a regular recommendation in … Continue reading →

Really enjoyed being out & about in Henley again. Just so much to see and learn and think about from a #highstreet #placemaking perspective, and always very well worth a visit… Stunning riverside scenes, and a significant draw for rowing, … Continue reading →

Oxford City Council has issued 93 licences to hospitality businesses, an almost ten-fold increase from the previous year.

The number of vacant units in Oxford city centre looks set for a significant fall according to new figures from Oxford City Council.

Business and organisations from across Oxford are working with the City Council on an initiative to bring empty units back into use more quickly.

The festive windows at Books & Ink Bookshop in Banbury town centre’s White Lion Walk are a Winter Challenge Winner! Banbury’s Business Improvement District (BID) invited the Mayor of Banbury, Cllr Shaida Hussain, to judge the festive window dressing skills … Continue reading →

Banbury Business Improvement District (BID) has taken over three empty windows in the town centre as part of its work to improve the look of vacant units while efforts continue to get them let.

In June 2018 we began to scope the possibility of an alternative way to deliver the best of the #townteam model of support for town centres. The aim is to try build a model that would work for town centres … Continue reading →

A follow on to our town team submission to #GrimseyReview2 on the two elements of what we call #MoreThanRetail: using vacant town centre ‘shop’ space creatively and building skills and interest in the community.