Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

Plea to turn failing High Streets into homes

Thursday, 2 February 2012 12:09 PM

The government should give up its attempts to revive failing High Streets and turn them into housing instead.

That's the view of veteran retailer Phil Wrigley, a former director of New Look, Debenhams and BHS, from a speech in Oxford yesterday reported in the Financial Times.

He urged the government to reject the conclusions of the review by Mary "Queen of Shops" Portas, who wants measures including town teams and special market days to revive traditional shopping areas.

Mr Wrigley said: "Unlike Mary Portas, I don't think we can continue to try to muddle through supporting the traditional high street model."

He said deserted High Streets were victims of an irreversible trend to shopping malls, supermarkets and internet retailing.

And the government should relax planning laws instead to allow the mass conversion of failing town centres into housing.

Want to be the first to know when we break a story? on Twitter and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter.

Related stories

The house price increase is the equivalent of £68,500 per household.

Homes see £1.8tn increase in last ten years

Rise in combined value is the equivalent of £68,500 per household, says Halifax.

 Just another £4,299,999,999,930 to go.

Total value of UK homes now £4.3tn

London and South East and private rented sector the big winners over last five years, says Savills.
Kate Barker spoke also positively about the draft national planning policy framework. Image:Thinkstock

Expert questions government housing policy

The author of a landmark 2004 housing review has accused successive governments of not building enough homes, during a speech to the British Property Federation (BPF).

 Mary Portas

Mary Portas: Secret Shopper targets estate agents

This week's episode of the TV show sees the presenter attempt to improve the customer service we receive from estate agents.
The figures are likely to confirm that there were more private rented homes than social rented for the first time in 50 years.

England's housing stock rises by just 121,000

Increase recorded by DCLG is lowest for at least 20 years as housebuilding grinds to a halt.

 London is propping up UK house prices. Image:Thinkstock

Asking prices for homes reach new all-time high

National average beats previous high set in May 2008 but London and South West lead market, says Rightmove.
Mortgage prisoners are borrowers trapped in an existing mortgage deal. Image:Liquid

Plea to protect interests of mortgage prisoners

Consumer watchdog urges FSA to strengthen plans for borrowers trapped in loan deals.

 Grant Shapps says that 170,000 new homes will be built over the next four years.

Affordable homes rise to 15-year high

Output from social rented and intermediate housing schemes in England rises 5 per cent.
Field and Davis argue that all of the receipts raised should be recycled into new social housing to cut waiting lists. Image:Thinkstock

Plea to extend right to buy to 1m more tenants

MPs David Davis and Frank Field say sell housing association homes to tenants and use proceeds to build new ones.

Local communities will now get the final say on how to promote regeneration. Photo:Getty Images

"Ghost Streets" get government cash pledge

Housing minister reveals help for families left in unsaleable homes in North and Midlands.

Search property

Headlines

Directory

Alaris

Alaris Logo
Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

Bathrooms365 Logo
Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Fitmykitchen

Fitmykitchen Logo
Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

MyStampDuty Logo
We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

Oak Furniture Land Logo
For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Rated People

Rated People Logo
Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

Residential Land Logo
If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

WowBBQ

WowBBQ Logo
Welcome to the World of Weber. We are the largest independent online Weber BBQ retailer in the United Kingdom. WOWbbq.co.uk is a Weber Partner Store and can give you the best advice for all your Weber BBQ needs.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

A guide to finding the right kitchen sink

When redesigning a kitchen or giving the room a makeover, it is important not to forget about the less obvious aspects of the space. Kitchen sinks are an essential fitting, but often overlooked, despite the fact there is a wide choice of styles available.

Useful tips to help find a flat in London

Looking for flats in London can be a frustrating process, given the capital's size, demand for rental accommodation and varying prices. It is vital, therefore, that you do plenty of research and act quickly to ensure you get the place that you want.

What do you need to consider when buying a mattress?

If you looking for a new mattress, you need to get the decision right, as getting it wrong could impact on your overall health and wellbeing. As well as comfort and size, you also need to consider other points, such as any health issues you may have.