What we do

Taking back the high street

The UK’s high streets are the beating hearts of our communities. But they’ve reached a tipping point. 

Many of our high streets are in decline. The demise of department stores and the rise of out-of-town and online retail have changed how we shop.  Each year, more shuttered buildings sit empty on our high streets. They are left this way by distant owners without a stake in the local community, and many stay vacant for years. 

But across the country, people are taking back their high streets. More and more communities are taking ownership over key assets. Community businesses are helping create destination spaces that serve local needs. 

We want communities to have the power to create vibrant and resilient high streets that work for them. But to do so, local people must have a seat at the table. They need the opportunities and resources to take ownership of the spaces and places that matter to them. Through evidence and advocacy, we’re working to help communities take back the high street.

Want to work with us? Get in touch with our Portfolio Manager, Kate McKenzie.

Current project

person holding wheel in studio workshop

Community-led High Street Innovators

We’re collaborating with a small number of community businesses to test and learn how community-led high street regeneration projects can be a model for communities everywhere.

We are calling for government to:

Introduce a Community Right to Buy

A powerful new Community Right to Buy will give communities the right of first refusal to purchase registered Assets of Community Value when they come up for sale.

 

Invest in a British High Street Investment Vehicle

Unlocking private investment in community-led high street revitalisation could help purchase and restore a diversified portfolio of around 200 properties across England.

 

Give communities a seat at the table

Government needs to create opportunities for communities, businesses and local government to work together strategically to deliver high street and town centre regeneration. This includes expanding the use of Community Improvement Districts.

 

Continue the Community Ownership Fund

Over the course of the next Parliament, the government should extend and expand the Community Ownership Fund to help more communities take control of the assets that matter to them.

 

Introduce a 75% community business rates relief

This would apply to Community Interest Companies and Community Benefit Societies, asset locked forms of community business and among the most common legal forms of community business.

 

News and views

Our latest thinking and updates on high streets.

Christmas can’t save the department store – but communities can

Christmas can’t save the department store – but communities can

Our new report, ‘Department stories’ captures how communities across England are reimagining former department stores to meet local needs and reinvigorate their high streets.
Make high streets great again

Make high streets great again

Donald Trump’s recent victory shows how important it is to make people feel and see economic growth in their communities. In the UK, our high streets are a core part of getting this right.
£2.5bn of levelling up funding stuck in limbo, public demand significant change in approach

£2.5bn of levelling up funding stuck in limbo, public demand significant change in approach

New analysis from think-do tank Power to Change identifies 20% of total levelling up funding that is stuck in limbo. This comes alongside fresh polling by More in Common showing public appetite for significant changes in how regeneration funding is delivered in the short and long term.

Research and reports

What works to help communities take back their high street.

Community Business Market Report 2024

Community Business Market Report 2024

Our first bi-annual report on the community business market shows the positive impact they continue to have on local communities, other businesses, and their high streets.
Department stories: How communities are reimagining a national institution

Department stories: How communities are reimagining a national institution

Once a destination for generations of shoppers, department stores are on the decline. But community businesses are repurposing vacant department stores and town centre shopping spaces, driving new footfall to their town centres through vibrant offers that meet the needs of their community.
Roots of renewal: Empowering communities, transforming Britain

Roots of renewal: Empowering communities, transforming Britain

This manifesto sets out how the new Government can help to create the conditions for community business to thrive.

Get inspired

Stories from communities breathing life back into places.

Nudge Community Builders

Nudge Community Builders

When traditional regeneration initiatives failed to deliver, residents decided to nudge their main street back to life, one building at a time.
The Anstice

The Anstice

Former working men’s club turned proud community hub.
Station South

Station South

An old train station connecting communities once again