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.

We are calling for the 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.

 

Research and reports

What works to help communities take back their high street.

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.
Getting started with Community Improvement Districts

Getting started with Community Improvement Districts

This Community Improvements Districts guidance helps communities imagine new possibilities for high streets, and gives readers the tools they need to make those possibilities a reality.
Community Improvement Districts pilot programme: Final report

Community Improvement Districts pilot programme: Final report

Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) provide a new approach for community stakeholders to have more say on strategic direction of the high streets alongside local authorities, businesses and other local stakeholders.

News and views

Our latest thinking and updates on high streets.

Power to Change welcomes new Deputy CEO

Power to Change welcomes new Deputy CEO

Nicola Steuer joins think-do tank Power to Change as Deputy CEO.
England’s first Community Improvement Districts could be the lifeline that helps save our high streets

England’s first Community Improvement Districts could be the lifeline that helps save our high streets

Nick Plumb reveals the two London high streets named England’s first community improvement districts in a bid to revive the UK’s struggling town centres.
What next for the communities agenda?

What next for the communities agenda?

British politics is currently full of surprises. What does all this change mean for communities, and how can politicians look to support the communities agenda?

Get inspired

Stories from communities breathing life back into places.

Hastings Commons

Hastings Commons

White Rock Neighbourhood Ventures are transforming derelict buildings in Hastings.
Station South

Station South

An old train station connecting communities once again
Radcliffe Market Hall

Radcliffe Market Hall

Breathing new life into an old market town.