Urban Areas: Regeneration

Diversification into leisure, cultural, community and public service uses can play an important role in supporting high street vitality. Evidence from evaluations of the Towns Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund indicates that the strongest outcomes are achieved where these uses form part of an integrated, place-based approach, helping to increase footfall, strengthen pride in place and support local economic activity.

Successful examples include North East Lincolnshire, where Freshney Place is being transformed from a traditional shopping centre into a mixed-use destination incorporating leisure, food, health and community facilities, helping to generate footfall throughout the day and evening. In Barnsley, the Health on the High Street programme integrated health services into the town centre, with the Community Diagnostic Centre delivering over 220,000 appointments and generating more than 50,000 additional town centre visits annually. In Prescot, the £38 million Shakespeare North Playhouse attracts around 100,000 visitors each year and generates £12.4 million of local spending, helping to strengthen the town centre’s cultural identity.

More broadly, evaluation evidence shows that events, markets and cultural activities can increase footfall, dwell time and pride in place, particularly when delivered alongside wider regeneration activity. This evidence will continue to inform the Government’s High Streets Strategy, which will be published later this year.