City Centre housing

I’m really passionate about revitalising our high streets and filling empty shops, and part of that means being honest about how their role has changed.

Online and out of town shopping is here to stay, so whilst we need to bring more businesses into the city centre, we know that high streets won't just be rows of traditional retail anymore. They need to become places where people live, work, meet, and spend their free time.

That’s why I asked the Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government what steps the Government is taking to support more housing in city centres. If we want vibrant high streets, we need people living around them.

For Gloucester, this really matters. Tackling empty shops, encouraging mixed‑use development, and making the Gate Streets feel safe and welcoming all depend on getting the balance right between homes, businesses and public spaces.