The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has added a new online event on the future of high streets and town centres to its calendar, taking place on 29 September 2021.
High streets and town centres are at the heart of local communities. They provide essential services, facilities and spaces that bring people together. Yet 2020 was the worst year for the high street in 25 years, with the closure of many shops and job losses. Footfall has been declining while online shopping has increased, with the pandemic accelerating both.
The event will look at the importance of high streets and town centres and their ever-changing landscape, how to revive them, consider what's next for the future, and provide expert insights and advice.
The expert panel currently features Ojay McDonald, chief executive of the Association of Town and City Management and David Preston, chief executive of the National Association of British Market Authorities. The event is hosted by Katherine Owen, external affairs at Blachere Illumination.
The event is sponsored by BHIB Councils Insurance, Blachere Illumination and CCLA.