Quote Originally Posted by jon1959 View Post
I think most town and city centres are dying - not so much cyclical or some parts up some down.

As you say on-line shopping, Covid.... and out-of-town shopping centres that damaged a lot of traditional centres from 30 odd years ago.

In Sheffield all the department stores have closed (Debenhams, Rackhams, John Lewis etc), the centre is full of empty shops and demolition sites. The pop ups and charity shops are fewer than a couple of years ago. Phone and vape shops are closing down. Even the 'new barbers' that appeared all over the place before Covid are disappearing. There are a few staples left (but with warnings about their dodgy future) like Boots, WH Smiths and M&S.

It looks as if planners are preparing for a future of little more than food outlets, entertainment venues and more flats on the sites of former shops. Even offices are going with the switch to WFH and services run by smart tech. It is happening really quickly too.
Using city centre shops for residential purposes was seen as bizarre 30 years ago but its definitely on the rise