Boarded-up high streets brought back to life with £210m boost

The government will spend £125m to help local authorities transform derelict buildings such as shopping centres and cinemas into shared workspaces, cafes and community hubs, addressing widespread vacancy and decay in town centres. The funding targets long-abandoned sites that have contributed to the decline of high streets, aiming to restore pride and footfall by repurposing them for local needs. Projects will be led by councils and community groups, ensuring developments reflect what residents actually require rather than top-down decisions.

An additional £65m will support communities in rescuing and reviving at-risk buildings and businesses, including pubs and sports clubs, preventing further closures and preserving local landmarks. This strand builds on existing initiatives like the Pride in Place programme, which has already enabled locals to take over a youth centre in Ramsgate and redevelop a former shopping centre in Scarborough. The focus is on preserving the character and identity of places that matter to people.

A further £20m will be split between High Street Rental Auctions, which will let out properties vacant for 12 months or more, and a new £10m Co-operative Development Programme. The latter will help mayors and strategic authorities establish co-operative businesses owned by staff, customers and communities, ensuring local people share directly in the success of their high streets.

The funding forms part of a broader regeneration effort coordinated through the Place Regeneration taskforce, led by the First Secretary of State, to rebuild communities and deliver lasting benefits. A full high streets strategy will be published later this year, outlining further measures to transform town centres and restore pride across England.