Exploring how healthcare could help drive high street and town centre regeneration.
Stevens & Bolton is supporting a new independent commission exploring how healthcare and community health services could play a greater role in regenerating UK high streets and town centres.
Launched at this year’s UKREiiF by think tank Radix Big Tent, the Health on the High Street Commission brings together experts from regeneration, planning, investment, healthcare and local government to identify practical ways to unlock town centre renewal through health-led development.
Sponsored by Sidara, Stevens & Bolton and James Totty Partnership, the cross-sector Commission will focus on identifying practical steps to overcome the planning, financial and cultural barriers that can prevent regeneration projects progressing.
The initiative follows growing recognition that healthcare can act as a long-term anchor for town centres – helping repurpose underused retail space, increase footfall and support more resilient mixed-use communities.
The Commission will be chaired by author, designer and place-strategist Professor Ibrahim Ibrahim of Sidara’s Portland Design, with commissioners drawn from across investment, planning, place-making, national and local government, and public and private healthcare.
Commissioners include crossbench peer Lord Andrew Mawson, the driving force behind the Bromley-by-Bow Health Partnership, and Michael Brown, who led the delivery of the Barnsley Health Hub, which relocated outpatient services into the town centre’s Alhambra shopping centre.
The Commission plans to report within the next 12 months and will undertake research and gather evidence from successful health-led regeneration projects across the UK.
Ben Rich, Chief Executive of Radix Big Tent, said:
“There is widespread political agreement that putting health services at the heart of communities is a good idea. And yet, despite this consensus, progress is glacial.
“Why? Because the system designed to deliver this is stuck in neutral. Speaking with senior leaders from the NHS and private health providers, local government, private investment and regeneration, what becomes clear is that there is not a lack of ambition, but a wall of institutional and systemic inertia that prevents change. The purpose of this commission is to identify and produce policies to remove the friction points that stall delivery.”
Professor Ibrahim Ibrahim added:
“The focus of the commission is less about the details of the healthcare provision and more about its halo effect, and how it can drive social and commercial value in our high streets and shopping centres.”
Andrew Steele, partner at Stevens & Bolton, said:
“Healthcare is increasingly recognised as a powerful anchor for town centre regeneration and is a great opportunity to repurpose existing retail space as well as diversify our high streets with long-term, resilient assets.
“We’re proud to be supporting the Commission as it works to identify practical solutions that can support the long-term health of our high streets, turning policies into progress.”
