What is the importance of placemaking and urban design to the renewal of high streets?

• Helle Lis Søholt, CEO of Gehl Architects.

At 11.30am the committee will hear from:

• David Rudlin, Director of Urban Design at BDP.

These sessions, which are open to the public, will be held in Committee Room 1 of the House of Lords and streamed live and on demand on Parliament TV.

Topics that will be covered during this session will include:

• Whether good urban design or the shops and services available are more important to the success of a high street.
  
  
• Elements of high street design that can help to increase footfall and resilience.
  
  
• How local authorities can balance providing access to high streets for cars, cyclists and pedestrians.
  
  
• Factors local authorities should consider when allocating space for parking and cars.
  
  
• Design elements that can help to make a high street feel safe and welcoming for all users, in particular older and younger people.
  
  
• Effective and realistic measures local places can take to improve urban design within the scope of existing street layouts and uses.
  
  
• The role of heritage buildings.

More on this inquiry

The Built Environment Committee’s ‘High streets in towns and small cities’ inquiry is exploring how high streets can be regenerated and become more resilient and attractive. The inquiry will consider the different uses of high streets by various communities and businesses and what is essential for them to flourish economically and socially. 

This inquiry has its own web page. The committee’s work can be followed on its website and via X (Twitter).