What community groups can do:

• Let us know what would improve your high street, or what help you need to make your high street thrive.
• We can help make links between community groups and Neighbourhood Partnerships/Forums in your area to discuss physical high street improvements. For example, Neighbourhood Partnerships have their own road budgets, which might be directed towards high street safety improvements. Subsidised cycle stands are available via a BCC scheme. Community payback schemes might be suitable for high street clear-ups.
• Neighbourhood Partnerships also have an annual “Community chest” fund, which community groups could apply to for e.g. installing benches or planters on the high street.
• We can help connect high street groups with arts organisations to develop projects for your area e.g. in-shop theatre; graffiti artwork on security grilles; temporary exhibitions in vacant shops; local history projects on long-lost shops; photography exhibition of favourite traders. A diverse approach will help to engage a diverse range of potential shoppers.

“Local authorities, landlords, retailers and the public need to work together to really animate the spaces they occupy; re-imagined as destinations for retail, socialising, culture, health, wellbeing, creativity and learning.” (Mary Portas)

Let’s make this happen in Bristol by working together!