Beyond the till: talking high street revival.

What is the secret to high street success? For David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, expanding the local retail offer while also looking beyond shopping to provide experiences is a top priority. Explaining the vision for the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, the Mayor talked passionately about the importance of findings ways for local authorities to forge new local partnerships.

Supported projects from this fund will aim to create vibrant, community-focused experiences while reducing vacancies on high streets throughout North Yorkshire.

Our attendees reflected on how York has successfully protected its high street and added resilience while leaning into its 2,000-year-old history. The group felt that the city has carefully preserved its unique local identity while expanding the diversity of independent businesses as well as adding new community spaces and artisanal experiences.

Participants agreed that from the Ghost Merchants on the Shambles regularly attracting 2-4-hour queues, to Spark, a retail hub using repurposed shipping containers, a winning combination of heritage and creativity are driving visitor footfall.

We discussed what towns and cities can do that are not blessed with York’s Medieval and Georgian heritage. Some participants felt that it’s important to recognise that heritage also comes from the local communities and the stories they can tell. Offering opportunities for community participation is crucial for building the pride and connection people have in their high streets, such as finding ways to incorporate local art in disused units or offering low-cost space for local pop-ups who celebrate place.

From retail representatives, we heard about the importance of fostering a sense of community among independent businesses. Some attendees emphasised the role of grass roots retail forums and Business Improvement Districts to drive collaboration or finding ways to incorporate a local business’s products into other independent retailers. This unpicks the notion that local businesses should be in competition with each other and leads to what one retailer referred to as a ‘halo effect’ around independents.

For many attendees, efficient transport to and from the high street is essential. Our transport representatives focused on how balancing parking with improved amenities by strengthening links between towns and centres and encouraging active travel is important. Enhancing pedestrian and cycle routes not only makes places more attractive but also boosts footfall in under-visited retail areas.

Our group agreed that the key to high street success lies in the ability to offer more than just retail. In cities like York, where heritage is seeped into every shop and independent businesses are part of the attraction, it’s easy to see the link between community participation, history, and a vibrant high street.

While local character is so specific to different places, making the most of heritage, supporting independent businesses and helping to improve sustainable transport are undoubtedly essential ingredients to making a high street thrive.

Find our key takeaways from the discussion below to read about this in more detail.