What next for our towns and shopping centres?

Over the last 12 months the COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the way we all live, work, shop, study and carry out our day-to-day lives.  The fallout from three lockdowns, home working, social distancing and multiple business failures has accelerated many of the trends, issues and challenges that have been facing our towns, high streets and shopping centres for over a decade.

The roll-out of vaccines offer hope for a return to some “normality”; but what does the future hold and what will the “new normal” look like?  Drawing on the findings of the joint research conducted by LSH with Revo and other partners (including ACES and CIPFA), Dr Norris will set out some of the key issues and challenges facing our towns, and the opportunities for their revitalisation over the short, medium and long term.

Drawing on case study examples, Dr Norris will set out a roadmap for recovery to help navigate through the many challenges that lie ahead, ranging from the preparation of robust visions and strategies, to advice on how to source and unlock funding opportunities.