Durham highlights challenge facing the high street

The adapting purpose of the high street is an interesting one.

Historically known as the go-to place for shopping and retail, smaller towns and cities are becoming accustomed to the idea that they are slowly transitioning into social hubs.

Durham is a key example. Although there are a few iconic retailers dotted about, the wide range of cafes, restaurants and bars is the primary focus.

The fact a world leading University is based there only helps to fuel this strategy, coupled with the attractions of the Castle and Cathedral.

While I live just outside the city of Durham, and whenever I arrange to meet friends or colleagues for food and drinks, more often than not it will be focused on the high streets in Durham, Newcastle or Sunderland - but when it comes to shopping, we automatically think of the shopping centres of Metrocentre or Eldon Square in Newcastle, along with iconic retailers such as Fenwicks.

This idea is being cemented in Durham in particular, with construction beginning on a £30million development where the old ‘The Gates’ shopping centre was located, to now be renamed ‘The Riverwalk’.

Included in these plans are a cinema and a host of new food and drink outlets, with refurbished stores as the cherry on the top.

These are all great opportunities that should be encouraged and can have a fantastic impact on the local and regional economy, from local businesses benefitting through increased footfall to a wider public profile about reasons to come to the area.

Culture-led investment is another key weapon in retaining and growing our high streets to this new focus.

Bishop Auckland is an example of this with the huge £100million investment into Auckland Castle and the Market Place as a new heritage and art destination, which will bring in a host of new, as well as local and regional visitors who haven’t been to the centre for years.

The future of the high street looks bright if towns and cities adapt to a new generation of consumers.