Town centres host 27,000 vacant properties

THERE ARE more than 27,000 properties lying vacant in England’s town centres, the Communities Secretary will reveal as he sets out plans to help declining high streets.

James Brokenshire will today launch the Government’s flagship Open Doors project to link landlords with vacant retail units, and also involve community groups in offering services to the young and old in their local area.

It is hoped that this will form part of a plan to tackle social problems linked to declining high streets, such as crime, unemployment and loneliness.

The Tory Minister will point to new figures showing that there are currently more than 27,000 premises lying vacant in England’s town centres.

If just a fraction of those vacant premises were turned into homes, thousands more people could have a roof over their head, he will say, while highlighting research which shows that higher numbers of residents on our high streets can generate higher footfall and, in turn, higher demand for shops and services.

Speaking at an event in Bristol, Mr Brokenshire will say: “We need to be imaginative in tackling the social and economic challenges our communities face.

“This includes seizing the enormous opportunity before us to transform our high streets into vibrant community hubs where people work, live and shop.”

It came as embattled fashion retailer New Look revealed it could close as many as 100 UK stores as part of a radical turnaround plan to cut costs.

This includes the 60 stores marked for closure under a company voluntary arrangement approved in March.