We start from the point of view that a vibrant future for our high streets and town centres will be more social than commercial. High streets and town centres are the beating economic and social heart of our communities and neighbourhoods, and we are interested in understanding them better. They are critical to our urban identities and sense of belonging.

 

We put the people who run and use high streets and town centres at the heart of our action-planning methodology and proposed delivery strategy. We draw on comprehensive and deep analysis to ensure our clients deliver effective action plans. 

 

We prepare desktop-published briefings and full reports covering topic areas such as:

- policy analysis

- public realm design qualities from a pedestrian

  point of view (PERS)

- the wants, needs and wishes of local businesses,

  market traders, users and customers

- detailed unit-by-unit mapping of occupancy, vacancy, size of units, turn-over data

- footfall, residential and employment population dynamics

- spending patterns and what people say about the place on social media.

 

We developed this comprehensive approach together with Co-Create Consulting when working on three Action Plans for Brick Lane, Roman Road and Burdett Road. Our approach is illustrated in the 'High Street and Town Centres Analysis Wheel'(click on the four coloured wheel to the left).

It brings together tested and detailed spatial data with the emerging practice within Localism. 

 

Angela is co-author of the ground-breaking study 'Paved with Gold: the real value of good street design',(The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, CABE 2007).

 

Recently, she co-wrote:'Involving the public and other stakeholders – the new Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) guidelines, an update to the 'Transport in the Urban Environment' publication.