Bring in art to refresh high streets, mayor told

Public art installations, murals and interactive pieces should be installed in the capital's struggling high streets to help revitalise them, the mayor of London has been told.

A new report by the London Assembly highlighted the challenges facing town centres, put down to people shopping online, and said creativity and heritage could play "transformative roles" in rejuvenating them.

The report also said Sadiq Khan should help Londoners take over empty shops for community projects.

City Hall said Sir Sadiq had invested £21m in town centre regeneration this year and was already working to put empty retail spaces back into use.

Marina Ahmad, Labour chair of the Assembly's economy, culture and skills committee, said online retail presents "a tough challenge for independent business and the big chain stores alike".

She said that although high streets remain major shopping destinations, they were also "increasingly places where we do something rather than buy something".

The report, called At a crossroads: London's high streets, said art programmes could enhance some town centres by developing their unique character and heritage.

It suggested that City Hall should work with local artists and schools to commission work.

The report followed City Hall's rejection of a separate proposal from the Assembly for a London art trail, which would have seen a new sculpture or artwork installed in every borough.

In another recommendation, Sir Sadiq was urged to help community groups take over vacant retail spaces to reduce the number of boarded up shops in town centres.

Under new powers, councils can force landlords to rent out properties that have been empty for more than a year.

The government said in March that 11 London boroughs had used the new powers, including Camden, Hillingdon and Westminster.

However, the committee said City Hall should play an active role in helping councils put empty shops back into use by raising awareness of vacant units.

"Community-led initiatives can have a significant impact on improving high streets.

"Innovative approaches to tackling vacant units, like temporary pop-ups or flexible use of spaces, are practical ways to breathe new life into struggling areas."

A City Hall spokesperson said the mayor understood the challenges and opportunities facing London's high streets and launched the High Streets for All Challenge to help boost local areas.

They added that the mayor had started "to explore how new national policy could be applied in London to benefit local communities".

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]