From Decline to Renewal: Breathing New Life into Britain’s High Streets

High streets across the UK are undergoing major change, with rising vacancies, shifting consumer habits and economic pressures creating challenges, but also opportunities.

Join Huddersfield Town Centre businesses for a full-day, national conference hosted by Huddersfield BID, delivered face-to-face but digitally hosted to allow wider participation. The day will feature networking sessions, dedicated breakout spaces, and lunch provided, alongside insightful discussions on how to revive and reimagine our high streets.

Learn about new government powers, funding opportunities, cultural investment, and the practical tools helping towns tackle vacancy and build vibrant, resilient centres.

Info: • National regeneration strategy
• Plan for Change / Small Business Plan
• Pride in Place Programme
• High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs)
• Plan for Neighbourhoods
• Planning and licensing reform

Info: Tackling Vacancy & Strengthening the Daytime Economy
Topics include:
• High Street Rental Auctions in practice
• Independent and SME support
• Role of Neighbourhood Boards
• Stakeholder engagement (landlords, BIDs, community)
• Broadening high street uses beyond retail

Info: Topics include:
• Planning reform
• Culture as a driver of regeneration
• Heritage-led renewal
• Inclusive, climate-resilient design
• Roles of Historic England & planners

Info: Culture, Hospitality & the Night-Time Economy
Topics include:
• Hospitality as an economic driver
• National Licensing Framework
• After-dark culture
• Safe and inclusive late-night economies
• Partnerships: councils, BIDs, hospitality and communities

Info: Final in-person wrap-up and networking until 4:00 PM

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Huddersfield BID