Evidence briefing: local growth, high streets and town centres

This briefing by What Works presents evidence-based findings and conclusions about local growth, high streets and town centres. Using impact evaluation evidence and drawing on recent data trends, and economic theory, this briefing is designed to support people making decisions about which investments and interventions are most likely to be effective.

High streets and town centres, already a government priority, face new challenges because of Covid-19. In addition to creating an economic downturn, the pandemic has exacerbated existing problems for high streets, such as the shift towards online shopping, and has introduced new changes, such as increased working from home.