TheFutureHighStreet

Overview

This was the FSF’s flagship campaign – a look at the social and economic value of the British high street, with a focus on ways to enhance the role of town centres and high streets as community assets. We assembled an independent panel of experts from the planning, transport, retail, economics, and arts and culture spheres to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the high street, from online shopping to policy changes and the proliferation of out-of-town development.

From here, we used existing research and economic modelling to quantify the impact of certain challenges on the UK’s socio-economic performance and published a report exploring these findings. The report challenges the role of retail as a catalyst for regeneration, and includes illustrative case studies and design-led thinking, along with our recommendations for future changes in policy.