Britain’s high streets have long been the economic and social heart of our communities. While they face real pressures, such as rising costs and evolving consumer expectations, they also remain spaces of adaptability and innovation. Across the country, local authorities, businesses and communities are already finding creative, practical ways to support their town centres, strengthen local economies, and enhance the public realm. The challenge now is to learn from what works. At a time when consumer confidence is fragile and footfall patterns are shifting, policy needs to build on the many examples of success already underway – drawing together knowledge, supporting good practice, and ensuring every high street has the opportunity to thrive.
This campaign will explore innovative policies and practical solutions to help high streets adapt, thrive, and remain central to community life. We will examine ways to repurpose vacant spaces, encourage diverse high street uses beyond retail, and harness new technologies to revitalise local economies. Our work will bring together policymakers, local leaders, and business representatives to develop a forward-looking strategy for high street renewal.
At the heart of this campaign is a commitment to ensuring high streets remain vibrant, sustainable, and resilient. By promoting flexible planning policies, targeted investment, and new business models, we will help shape a high street renaissance that balances economic vitality with social value.
Reports
Boosting Britain’s High Streets – Report Launch
Steering committee
Mark Robinson
Head of Regeneration, NewRiver REIT
Mark is a high-profile leader in retail property, regeneration and placemaking. His position was recognised when he was appointed to lead the government’s High Street Task Force in July 2020, following his role as Revo President in 2019.
Over three decades, Mark has worked in all aspects of the industry as an advisor, investor/developer, and occupier. In 2008, he co-founded Ellandi, a business that undertook over 50 projects in the UK with a value in excess of £2.0bn. In July 2024, NewRiver REIT acquired Ellandi, where Mark is now Head of Regeneration.
Mark has successfully built teams and joint ventures that have won industry accolades for diversity and inclusion, entrepreneurialism, public/private partnerships, and workplace culture. He is a passionate advocate of the role of community in repurposing and shaping the purpose of our future places in response to the challenges and opportunities presented by the current market.
Diane Cunningham
Director, The Assembly Line/Fellow, Institute of Place Management
Diane is a project director and consultant for places with more than 20 years’ experience. As director of The Assembly Line she provides strategic advice and project management which helps high streets and markets to be more resilient as they adapt to change.
Working with the public, private and third sector she has supported enterprise, developed commercial and operational plans to bring buildings back to life and created visions, strategies and action plans through engagement with a diverse range of business and institutional stakeholders to create resilient and vibrant spaces that benefit everyone.
Diane was appointed as an expert to the government’s High Street Task Force (2020-24) to support local authorities across England in solving the complex problems facing their high streets and sat on the inaugural London Markets Board, created to protect the capital’s street markets.
Graham Soult
Retail Consultant at CannyInsights.com
Graham Soult is a high-street champion who founded the retail consultancy CannyInsights.com in 2010. Based in Gateshead but working UK-wide, Graham’s work supports independent and multiple retailers as well as landlords, local authorities, business associations and BIDs, helping businesses and places to improve their offer and messaging.
He has visited over 600 retail centres across the UK, sharing insights and helping revitalise town centres, sometimes working as a “Retail Cupid” to match businesses with vacant units.
Described by BBC Look North as “the region’s best-known retail expert” and by ITV as “a North East Mary Portas”, Graham frequently appears in the media and is a popular keynote speaker.
He also serves as chairman of Durham Business Group and is a Fellow of the Institute of Place Management. Graham holds architecture and planning degrees from Sheffield and contributed as an Expert to the government’s High Streets Task Force (2019–2024).
