Civic Voice celebrates contribution to House of Lords report on high streets.
Civic Voice is proud to announce our significant contribution to the recently published House of Lords Built Environment Committee report, "High Streets: Life Beyond Retail?".
The report, which explores the future of high streets in towns and small cities, reflects many of the key priorities and recommendations put forward by Civic Voice and its member civic societies in our submission and ongoing advocacy.
Our evidence, supported by input from member organisations such as the Richmond Society and Wakefield Civic Society and others, highlighted the importance of community-led high street regeneration, the value of preserving local heritage, and the necessity of simplifying government funding processes. These priorities are cited throughout the report, demonstrating the pivotal role of civic societies in shaping resilient, inclusive, and thriving high streets.
Key Highlights from the Report:
- Echoing Civic Voice's call for active community participation, the report underscores the need for local residents to play a central role in decision-making processes. The Milton Society's work in developing collaboration with wider stakeholders was this acknowledged at the celebration event of theHigh Street Task Force
- Our emphasis on utilising the historic character of high streets to drive economic growth is reflected in the report’s recommendations. Sunderland's Heritage Action Zone, highlighted in the report, provides a striking example of this approach, mirroring advocacy from Civic Voice and civic societies such as the Wakefield Civic Society, which has championed the restoration of historic shopfronts in Wakefield Heritage Action Zone
- The Committee has acknowledged the inefficiencies of the current bidding processes for regeneration funding, aligning with Civic Voice’s advocacy for a streamlined approach that empowers under-resourced local authorities.
- Recognising the evolving role of high streets, the report calls for greater diversity in uses, including leisure, housing, and public services. This vision reflects work being undertaken by civic societies like the Kendal Civic Society, praised by the High Street Task Force which has partnered with Kendal Futures to deliver innovative mixed-use projects.
Key issues raised by Civic Voice and its members, such as the risks of unrestricted permitted development and the need for better strategic planning, have been reflected in the report's recommendations.
The report not only validates Civic Voice's expertise but also amplifies our voice and that of our member societies at a critical time for high street regeneration. By integrating evidence and insights from civic societies like the Wakefield Civic Society, Pontefract Civic Society, and Kendal Civic Society, the Committee has highlighted the indispensable role of local groups in delivering transformative change.
Next Steps:
Civic Voice will build on this momentum by engaging with key stakeholders to advocate for the implementation of the report's recommendations. We will also host discussions with member organisations to explore how best to support local efforts in line with the report’s principles. Plans include inviting civic societies to showcase their success stories, such as the "Wheelfest" event in Pontefract and Kendal’s collaboration with local businesses, to inspire wider adoption of best practices.
The recognition of our work and that of our member societies in this influential report underscores the importance of Civic Voice's mission. Together, we can help create high streets that are not only economically resilient but also places of pride for communities across the country.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to shape the future of our high streets. For media enquiries or further information, please contact us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).