Reanimation
Bringing our town centres to life, attracting visitors and residents.
There are challenges with bringing town centres to life
Social distancing and other measures will continue to challenge the reanimation of town centres, as social distancing and other safety measures reduce capacity and face-to-face interactions:
- Compliance with the laws around gatherings, trials of one-way walking systems and new information
- In many cases additional funding is required to hold what would have previously been 'business as usual' events
It is critical to ensure town centres are attractive to all
The sense of belonging that can be gained from active and engaging town centres is at the heart and soul of communities. To encourage the return of vibrant town centres we need to attract a range of different demographics at different times of the day, including:
- Those on lower incomes via community facilities
- Play space for families
- Activities for younger demographics and those with higher disposable incomes
Collaboration and partnership is key
Collaboration opportunities and working partnerships between the Council and organisations such as Business Improvement Districts, Chambers of Commerce and key stakeholders (key retailers, shopping centres, universities and colleges) are vital to ensure consistent messages:
- It is important to put out positive news stories as well as COVID-19 related communications, such as leases signed since March, business success stories, local business/community heroes' to balance news.
- Partnership working has the potential to bring vacant space/shops back to life, to allow business success stories to continue to develop and to foster new businesses
Click on the map below to explore the considerations that should be made in the immediate, medium and long term as we look to reopen, reanimate and reimagine our UK towns:
Supporting Northampton town centre’s COVID-19 recovery strategy
Northampton’s independent businesses have come together to encourage residents to rediscover their local town centre – whilst social distancing and protecting others. Avison Young was appointed to help shape Northampton’s COVID-19 recovery strategy, providing enhanced communications support and regeneration advice allied to Northampton’s wider masterplan.
As part of Northampton Borough Council’s digital “Love Northampton” campaign, Avison Young has helped produce a video, which showcases a snapshot of the town’s most popular attractions and hidden gems.
Our conversations so far...
Rob Fraser, Director, Retail at Avison Young discusses the evolution of retail and what is next for our Community Hubs:
"COVID-19 has accelerated trends that were already reshaping town centres. With vacancy rates rising, finding alternative uses for empty spaces will be central to making the high street a vibrant place once again, and for aiding the country’s economic recovery. Businesses, landlords and local authorities need to work together to create more diverse town centres, where the commercial offer is blended with a cultural, community and civic offering, which cannot be replaced by an online experience."
Martyn Saunders, Director, Planning at Avison Young explores how the high street can improve in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.
"The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be felt across the economy. Over the last few months, no business, sector or activity has been spared its effects, leaving the UK at the start of what could be the deepest recession for generations.
The retail and leisure sectors have been particularly hard-hit and many consumers have increased their online spending as a result."
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