High streets in our towns and cities have long been the hub of the community. As the high street continues to be affected by more and more closures, there is real concern for their future. These concerns are valid but our high streets have always been live, active spaces that have been subject to change depending on shopping habits and lifestyles.

From the expansion of our high streets in the early 1900’s by conversion of houses to shops and offices, the removal of living accommodation above shops in the 1950’s through to 1960’s to the advent of larger supermarkets and out of town shopping centres in the 1970’s and 80’s, there has always been change. Understandably, the sudden demise of larger retail shops such as Debenhams, Top Shop and others has been alarming and there is concern whether these buildings can be brought back to active use.

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