A borough of thriving town centres

This theme relates to the changing role of Town Centres across Barnet.

Barnet has 30 high streets and town centres, the most of any London Borough.

With changes in shopping habits and the economy, particularly following COVID-19, many of our high streets are struggling with vacant shops.

There is a need to diversify the role of town centres so that they become recognised social and community hubs as well as economic centres, supported by new housing development, to cultivate a more sustainable mix of uses through businesses, GP surgeries, leisure facilities and community services.

Our objectives for a borough of thriving town centres

Support the strengthened identity and diversification of town centres

Engage with and support businesses and property owners to deliver an improved mix of town centre uses, including homes, workspace, leisure and community facilities. Work with Town Teams to promote and celebrate the characteristics of the borough’s town centres.

Support joined-up service delivery for healthier high streets

Ensure we provide more coordinated services across the council, to address issues such as planning enforcement, anti-social behaviour, licensing, street cleansing, waste collection and parking; ensuring we plan our high streets around health and wellbeing.

Deliver high quality workspace

Leverage council assets and development sites to support delivery of high quality workspace that targets strategically important sectors for the borough – both new and existing businesses.

Build on existing strengths to create a thriving evening economy

Maximise the creative potential from growing the leisure offer and evening economy to enhance the range and quality of local food and drink, heritage, culture and arts on offer.