High streets should become hubs for the renewal of local democracy, says the New Economics Foundation, and opportunities should be taken within the Localism Bill to support their sustainable development.
The Foundation was responding to new figures from the Ordnance Survey showing the recession is hitting high streets hard, with almost every type of high street shop in sharp decline.
The exception is betting shops.
NEF says average vacancy rates on high streets are expected to pass 15% thanks to the recession and consolidation by chain stores.
It says the end of the retail age is time to completely re-evaluate what town centres are for.
"High streets could become a hub for the renewal of local democracy and civil society - a place where shopping is just one small part of a rich mix of activities," says head of connected economies Elizabeth Cox.
"We need to open up opportunities within the Localism Bill currently being debated to support sustainable local high streets - ones that promote local well being, and support us to live more sustainably. Councils need to start using the Sustainable Communities Act which was put in place for this purpose."
It suggests councils should:-
- set up high street hubs in vacant shops;
- sign up to the Sustainable Communities Act;
- make residents an equal partner in master planning;
- use well-being, distinctiveness and sustainability indicators;
- build sustainability into procurement;
- support community land trusts;
- pursue shared space;
- involve residents in business improvement districts;
- extend business rate relief to low-carbon businesses.
It says central government should:-
- roll out the Post Office Bank;
- develop a property register showing who owns town centres;
- create an empty dwellings management order;
- set up a local competition ombudsman;
- revise allotment legislation;
- use the Localism Bill to promote high street sustainability and local participation;
- introduce well-being indicators in planning guidance;
- set up a green investment bank.
