"Our high streets and town centres have an important social, civic and cultural place in our society… but what do we want them to look like in 2030 and what actions do we need from local and central government to ensure their longevity?" Clive Betts MP.
So begins the preamble to the Government inquiry which is due to examine the future role of the high street in contributing to the local economy and the health, cohesion and cultural life of the local community and the challenges faced amid changing demographic, technological and other trends in recent decades. I welcome the inquiry for the link that is being made at the outset between a vibrant town and not just the economic but also to the social fabric of a place and community. However unless the property profession and property owners thoroughly engage with such a conversation I tend to believe the recommendations will have limited impact. As a member of the RICS I shall play my part to help ensure colleagues do so. It’s encouraging to note that alongside the call for evidence, the Committee welcomes the views of the public on why their high-street matters and what they think could be improved about it. The public can tweet their views and pictures of their high street on #myhighstreetmatters to @CommonsHCLG
High streets and town centres in 2030 inquiry launched.
