High Streets
What we say
The way we shop and access services has changed dramatically.
High street businesses and councils managing the public realm are faced with a choice: to adapt to the digital economy and rising challenges, such as air pollution, or face continued decline of our town centres.
A fresh look at what makes high streets enjoyable places to be is vital.
Our Pedestrian Pound research highlights evidence that by investing in the walking environment we can help to reverse this decline.
What we want
We continue to believe a focus walking can put high streets at the heart of healthy and economically vibrant communities.
We want to see:
- More emphasis on investing new and improved pedestrian spaces
- Reduction in traffic levels and reallocation of space for new uses
- Better monitoring and evaluation of the impacts economic improvement to build the business case for future improvements.
Image: Ivon Bartholomew for Living Streets
The Pedestrian Pound
The Pedestrian Pound should be of interest to anyone concerned with the future of our high streets and urban centres.
Our report has become a much-quoted reference point when making the economic case for investing in better streets.
Originally published in 2013 and updated in 2018, our latest edition (2024) broadens the evidence base for improved walking environments to include the benefits of happier and healthier people, stronger communities and a more resilient environment.
The research is brought to life with case studies from England, Scotland and Wales, along with international examples that show the value of walkable streets.
