Bolder vision needed for town centres – British Property Federation initial reaction to levelling up proposals

Melanie Leach, Chief Executive of the British Property Federation, initial reaction to levelling-up proposals:

“The Government’s mission to improve pride in place across the country is laudable but this can only be delivered through a much bolder vision for revitalising the buildings and public spaces in our town centres. Kings Cross is quoted as a template, but this was a long-term  project only made possible by a strong public-private partnership and the support of the local community creating the vision and conditions for massive private sector investment. The Government should harness the BPF’s proposal for Town Centre Investment Zones – creating the conditions for delivering the Prime Minister’s aim to unleash private sector investment through a mix of tax incentives, planning flexibility and greater local authority powers across all parts of the country.

“Working with Homes England, the property sector can deliver town centre transformation far more effectively than government grants alone and ensure that empty shops are put to new uses. Requiring property owners to fill empty premises misses the point – there will only be tenants wanting to occupy the town centre if it is a place people want to visit and spend time in.”