By A third of the 8 million square metres of vacant space in town and city centres across the UK could be used to deliver 45,000 new homes, according to a recent report from planning and development consultancy Turley.
A Proactive mixed-use development strategy could help to address the current housing crisis but at the same time it should not be assumed that retail in High Streets is dead, says Turley in its Making Sense of Mixed Use Town Centres report.
The development of 45,000 new homes is based on the assumption that new residential developments do not exceed the height of existing buildings. However, if the taller buildings are considered within the city centre location, then many more homes could be delivered, according to Turley.
Richard Laming, senior director, head of economics said: “Securing the future of our town centres is a critical national issue and one that is rightly getting a lot of attention. These centres are vital to residents, communities and businesses alike and are engines of economic growth. It is vital that these areas are allowed to evolve and that the planning system is match fit to support this.
“Our report is an attempt to put forward a positive vision for the future amidst the negativity that currently dominates the conversation. This starts with debunking the myth that the high street is dead,” he added.
Paul Keywood, planning team director, believes that there needs to be a balance in terms of planning. He commented: “We believe that for these centres to continue to succeed and serve the needs of their communities, they need to embrace a mixed-use future where the balance of uses shifts from what we have traditionally seen.
“A whole place but bespoke approach to each centre, that considers what is needed to make these places attractive and useful for communities and businesses, is essential.
He added: “Adopting this approach can deliver much-needed housing, help turn around the fortunes of places that are currently struggling and ensure successful urban centres continue to perform. Contrary to popular belief, high street retail has a crucial part to play in shaping this future.”
Guiding the change
A resistance to top-down national measures is called for by Turley, as well as a careful understanding of places is needed so that individually tailored solutions can be provided to secure successful regeneration.
To combat what it calls “unclear guidance” in the National Planning Policy Framework the report outlines a series of recommendations for realizing successful mixed-use centres. This includes things like assessing how transport and infrastructure links fit into the picture, as well as an understanding of the demand from institutions such as universities, higher-education and hospitals.
Consideration should also be given to the heritage of an area and the quality of the public realm available, according to the report from Turley.
Mixed-use regeneration
Principles for successful mixed-use town centres should be quickly established to respond to rapid changes in the market, according to the report from Turley. This should include a redefinition of the retail core and the identification of areas where mixed-use development can be realised without compromising existing commercial uses.
The design was also highlighted as being pivotal for successfully integrating mixed-use developments; enhancing connectivity and accessibility; and encouraging sustainable travel opportunities.
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