About this Event
High streets across the UK are undergoing major change, with rising vacancies, shifting consumer habits and economic pressures creating challenges, but also opportunities.
Join Huddersfield Town Centre businesses for a full-day, national conference hosted by Huddersfield BID, delivered face-to-face but digitally hosted to allow wider participation. The day will feature networking sessions, dedicated breakout spaces, and lunch provided, alongside insightful discussions on how to revive and reimagine our high streets.
Learn about new government powers, funding opportunities, cultural investment, and the practical tools helping towns tackle vacancy and build vibrant, resilient centres.
Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
In-Person Arrival, Registration & Networking Breakfast
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Conference Begins
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:05 AM
Introduction by Conference Organiser
🕑: 10:05 AM - 10:10 AM
Chair’s Welcome and Opening Remarks
🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:30 AM
Keynote Address: Revitalising Britain’s High Streets – The National Strategy
Info: • National regeneration strategy
• Plan for Change / Small Business Plan
• Pride in Place Programme
• High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs)
• Plan for Neighbourhoods
• Planning and licensing reform
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
Keynote Session: Questions & Discussion
🕑: 10:50 AM - 11:00 AM
Comfort Break (10 minutes)
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Panel Session One: Reviving Our Town Centres
Info: Tackling Vacancy & Strengthening the Daytime Economy
Topics include:
• High Street Rental Auctions in practice
• Independent and SME support
• Role of Neighbourhood Boards
• Stakeholder engagement (landlords, BIDs, community)
• Broadening high street uses beyond retail
🕑: 11:50 AM - 12:15 PM
Panel Session One: Questions & Discussion
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch Break (45 minutes) - Lunch is provided
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:50 PM
Panel Session Two: Planning, Culture & Heritage in High Street Regeneration
Info: Topics include:
• Planning reform
• Culture as a driver of regeneration
• Heritage-led renewal
• Inclusive, climate-resilient design
• Roles of Historic England & planners
🕑: 01:50 PM - 02:15 PM
Panel Session Two: Questions & Discussion
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:30 PM
Comfort Break (15 minutes)
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:20 PM
Panel Session Three: Lighting Up Our High Streets
Info: Culture, Hospitality & the Night-Time Economy
Topics include:
• Hospitality as an economic driver
• National Licensing Framework
• After-dark culture
• Safe and inclusive late-night economies
• Partnerships: councils, BIDs, hospitality and communities
🕑: 03:20 PM - 03:40 PM
Panel Session Three: Questions & Discussion
🕑: 03:40 PM - 03:45 PM
Final Questions & Chair’s Summary
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:00 PM
End of Digital Conference
Info: Final in-person wrap-up and networking until 4:00 PM
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Brian Jackson House, 2 New North Parade, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
