With a huge amount of optimism, and anticipation, the first meeting of the NLA Expert Panel on Retail and Hospitality was held on Monday 18 January 2021. 

 

It’s fair to say that since the global COVID-19 pandemic swept through the world, both retail and hospitality have suffered culturally, socially and economically. 

 

With the constant cycle of restrictions and lockdowns, both these sectors rely on footfall, social interaction and confidence. With such an impact on these factors, businesses have been looking at ways to adapt, be agile and literally survive until a vaccine is available and restrictions start to lift. 

 

So how do we as built environment experts respond to these challenges? How will high streets change? 

 

The NLA Expert Panel is made up of a brilliantly diverse set of built environment leaders from architects and designers to hotel acquisition directors, insight-research, local authorities, and experts in retail.

 

The first meeting was a great opportunity to introduce everyone and hear about their experience and expertise in the sectors, and offer some high-level thoughts with the aim of unpicking and exploring 3-4 key lines of enquiry and produce a body of research. 

 

The majority of the two-hour discussion explored the ‘challenges and opportunities’ retail and hospitality are facing. There was unanimous acceptance that discussing ‘opportunities’ in the light of the pandemic feels uncomfortable, however there was an appreciation that we must try and meet the challenge and look at the positives, and there were some encouraging emerging themes. 

Experience

This is fundamental to the success of any future high street. Public space has generally been eroded over the last two decades, and this is an excellent opportunity to address these issues by reintegrating the public realm and creating a new hierarchy. Places that are beautiful will give a genuine enhanced experience, then people will shop, dwell, eat and play.

 
Circular economy

Having to rethink business strategies has meant reprioritising spatial needs and standards. From waste management to energy efficiency, investing in more flexible and sustainable buildings is now attractive for businesses, helping push the climate emergency to the top of the agenda. 

Dynamic flexibility

If there is genuine flexibility with use classes, space, and funding and leasing models, this could create an exciting agile business model for SMEs, entrepreneurs and investors. Exploring the funding capabilities can really help shape and realise opportunities.  

Community engagement

The pandemic has seen independent shops and restaurants act creatively, with take-aways, home delivery, click and collect meal-kits, and using social media to gain support from their local communities. Neighbouring residents can really help shape, energise and reinvigorate local high streets.

 

Retail and hospitality is a social and cultural experience entrenched in our society. The opportunities for our high streets, our cities and towns must aim to reflect an enhanced flexible, social experience. We are really excited and energised for the year ahead and look forward to the next meetings.