Cities are under constant pressure to evolve. From declining high streets to underutilised mixed-use districts, urban regeneration remains a pressing challenge. Food and beverage (F&B), often overlooked in urban planning, has emerged as a powerful catalyst for renewal. 

When applied strategically, F&B can shape place identity and enhance destination appeal, drawing people in, increasing dwell time and encouraging repeat visits across city zones. 

Just as importantly, it addresses broader social, cultural and economic needs, making it one of the most effective tools to re-energise the places where we live, work and gather. 

Addressing Urban Challenges Through F&B 

High streets and mixed-use areas often struggle with declining footfall, lack of identity and limited tenant variety. Strategic F&B directly addresses these issues by drawing people back into public spaces and creating compelling reasons to visit, stay and return. 

The benefits are wide-ranging. F&B generates employment, stimulates local economies, and provides platforms for sustainable and independent brands to thrive. This can come through curating the right mix of brands for local populations, developing new venues, or improving existing assets in shopping centres, hotels and other spaces. 

At a community level, it can foster connection and belonging. With one in four adults experiencing social isolation and up to 15% of adolescents reporting loneliness, according to the World Health Organisation, spaces built around food and social interaction play a pivotal role in bringing people together. 

Industry research published over the last decade underscores the urgency. JLL’s Global Consumer Experience Survey found that 76% of respondents—and 84% of Gen Z and Millennials—believe cities must offer fresh experiences to remain relevant. Yet while 80% say a strong sense of place matters, only 66% feel strongly connected to their local community. 

At TGP International, we believe strategic F&B helps bridge this gap, transforming underutilised spaces into cultural anchors. 

Dining is now widely recognised as a key driver of placemaking and often the anchor that ties everything together. As retail adapts, F&B provides the human-centred experiences that keep people coming back. The rise of branded cafés within retail environments is evidence of this, but there are many more examples. 

Between June 2023 and February 2024, the UK saw a 15% increase in operational food halls, with a further 18% in development. Similarly, competitive socialising has surged by 38% over the past five years (Mintel). Yet 49% of UK consumers say they would be more likely to dine at these venues if food offerings represented better value, according to KAM’s Competitive Socialising Report. 

These models demonstrate that clustered, experiential dining outperforms isolated units—extending dwell time, boosting cross-spend and amplifying the success of surrounding tenants. For developers and asset owners, this should reframe F&B as a commercial anchor, not a secondary convenience.

The Halo Effect 

Food halls, in particular, have become a proven formula for urban regeneration and mall redevelopment. We have seen through our own projects how they deliver a halo effect, driving traffic that uplifts the entire tenant mix while enhancing the destination’s brand. 

Crucially, they appeal across demographics—young diners seeking experiential elements, families seeking variety and older visitors seeking convenience. 

The model is both commercially resilient and culturally resonant. With shorter leases and smaller footprints, food halls allow landlords to experiment with rotating brands, seasonal menus and event-led activations. This keeps destinations relevant while lowering long-term risk. Their multi-vendor structure also lowers entry barriers, enabling start-ups and local chefs to flourish, supporting innovation while strengthening ties to place and a greater sense of community. SMEs have always been the driving force in economic growth and the food hall model allows the first step for many such fledgling entrepreneurs. 

Equally important is alignment with demographic needs. According to EY, 90% of Gen Z say being true to oneself is essential, while 72% of diners seek experiential options such as chef’s tables and themed events, according to Technomic. Food halls, through their adaptability and diversity, are uniquely positioned to deliver on these expectations. 

Urban Regeneration Through F&B 

As people demand more from their cities, F&B stands out as a lever for regeneration that addresses both economic and social imperatives. From strategies designed to revive high streets to approaches that enhance malls and mixed-use zones, strategic F&B brings people, culture and commerce together. Done well, it turns spaces into destinations and developments into communities. 

The message is clear for those of us operating in this space, and we’re excited to see more of our peers and partners across adjacent verticals agree with us. F&B needs to be part of the agenda when we’re planning our cities. 

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