Britain’s high streets were already in trouble before the pandemic, with soaring rates of vacant stores. When shops open up again this week after the latest lockdown, locals may find a desolate landscape. And why would we go back? Amazon, Ocado, Deliveroo and Netflix have kept us fed, watered and entertained at a click.
But there is a cost to living life behind a screen: our local economies, and our mental and physical health. Seven in ten consumers say shopping locally makes them feel happier compared to online, according to a 2019 poll. Walking to the shops boosts our wellbeing, as does chatting to shopkeepers or neighbours we bump into.
Which may explain why some high streets are still flourishing, in spite of Covid. Research by the Local Data Company shows that some towns have actually reduced shop vacancies during the pandemic: in North Walsham, Norfolk, rentals are up by 8.7 per cent; Denton, Manchester (8 per cent); Alderley Edge, Cheshire (6.7 per cent); Allestree, Derby (6.5 per cent); and Rustington, Littlehampton, in West Sussex (6.4 per cent). The research suggests that streets with more independent shops are more resilient, although seaside towns like Rustington have benefited from the permanent vacation “pandemic” lifestyle.
Power to Change, a charitable trust, says community-run shops can regenerate high streets post Covid. It cites Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, where council support for community-run businesses has created a thriving high street, and Made in Ashford, a shop in the Kent town that offers a platform for local creatives, and which has driven footfall.
“We don’t think high streets will die,” says Anthony Breach, an analyst at think tank Centre for Cities. Breach believes recent planning reforms, which let businesses change building use without permission, will spark two trends: the conversion of excess retail shops into cafés, offices and leisure; and the conversion of shops to homes, both of which will boost local footfall. “We have too much retail right now. As society changes, high streets need to change with that. High streets will continue to be important. They may just look a bit different.”
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Here are some homes for sale near great high streets.
Opening image: Kent, £1.75m
In the “village” area of Tunbridge Wells, this four-bedroom grade II listed house is within walking distance of the high street. There are five reception rooms, and two attic bedrooms with lower ceiling heights. A 2019 extension won a design award. It has planning permission for a plunge pool on the lower ground floor.
01892 772947, knightfrank.co.uk
Wiltshire, £675,000
Within walking distance of Marlborough High Street, this renovated grade II listed house has four bedrooms, a basement home office, exposed beams and oak floors.
01672 620175, hamptons.co.uk
Gloucestershire, £695,000
This four-bedroom Georgian house is in the village of Painswick, near a chemist and a coffee shop. It is a 10-minute drive to Stroud, which has a bustling high street.
01452 814655, murraysestateagents.co.uk
Cambridgeshire, from £295,000
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Mill Road is one of Cambridge’s coolest streets, with independent shops and cafés. Homes in The Ironworks range from studios to four-bedroom houses (£675,000). Cambridge shops have one of the UK’s lowest vacancy rates.
01223 643088, ironworkscambridge.co.uk
Gloucestershire, £600,000
Built in the 17th century, Hainault House has four bedrooms and three receptions with period features. The high street home in the village of Blockley is run as a holiday let.
01451 600617, knightfrank.co.uk
London W1B, £15.45m
Soak in the panoramic views from the terrace at this five-beroom penthouse in Regent’s Cresent, one of 67 new-build apartments within a grade I listed façade.
020 7409 8756, savills.com
Oxfordshire, £2.5m
Redcliffe House in Henley-on-Thames is in the thick of it. The four-bedroom townhouse is a short walk from the river and two schools listed in The Sunday Times Parent Power guide.
01491 844904, knightfrank.co.uk
