Introduction

Town centres are, by definition, the most central and accessible places in any town. That’s why they have been places of exchange for centuries, where goods, services and ideas are traded and shared.

Many people speak of the “death of the high street” as more shops close their doors or economic activity moves to out-of-town locations. Whilst terrible for the individuals involved, decline is not inevitable or irreversible - and such churn can also create opportunities for new businesses to start up. These include not only new shops, but other private and social enterprises too. Town centres offer premises, footfall and accessibility – so they are great locations for entrepreneurs, social enterprises and small businesses.

Explore this section to see examples of what town centres around the country are doing to support enterprise – from creating spaces for new businesses to going digital and tapping into tourism. You’ll see lots of sources of further information and support too.

Don’t forget that other sections of the Toolkit might have also useful information for businesses, particularly the Arts and Culture and Buildings and Property sections.