Conclusion and future scenarios

The contemporary city centre, arguably more than any part of the urban conurbation, is subject to repeated physical change and reinvention. Whilst each is subjected to universal pressures in terms of environment, society, economics, politics, and culture, each centre is unique with its individual character reflecting its genesis over time. Reinforcing such uniqueness is critical to keep the city centre relevant. City centres should be somewhere that people wish to be in, rather than avoid, and thus need to be perceived as safe, comfortable, and enjoyable places. They need to be locations where local and small business opportunities exist alongside external investment so that there is a more varied and resilient employment market. And there needs to be more collective governance, where local communities and local businesses join the local government in implementing a vision of a shared future. Together, the city centre can maintain its position as the focus of society.