CYP Now - Let’s design towns that meet children’s needs

Take a walk along most high streets and you’ll see empty retail units, tired-looking public spaces and an almost complete absence of facilities for children and young people.

Derren Hayes: 'Giving young people a greater stake in the future of civic spaces is an investment in the long term and will deliver economic benefits to an area'

The high street has been struggling for a decade but Covid lockdowns, the shift to online shopping and cost-of-living squeeze has seen its fortunes deteriorate further recently.

With many economists predicting a deep recession is inevitable, there is the real risk that high streets – the beating heart of many communities – could be hollowed out as retail chains take flight.

This presents a huge challenge for civic leaders as most town centres have been designed around the needs of retailers and cars. But, it also presents an opportunity to rethink the purpose of our urban spaces and remould them around the needs of children.

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