A sustainability assessment framework for the high street. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maliene, Vida; Fowles, Steven; Atkinson, Isabel; Malys, Naglis
• Is Part Of: Cities. Volume 124(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: High street -- Sustainability -- Sustainable development -- Multiple criteria decision making -- Assessment framework; City planning -- Periodicals; Urban policy -- Periodicals; 711.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.103571
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-2751

Abstract

Abstract: High street decline is a topic that has received a great deal of political and media attention within the last decade in the UK. External factors, such as the growth in online retail and changing economic conditions, have contributed to the shift in consumer needs and expectations, while many high streets have struggled to sustain the pace of the change. The sustainability of high street is influenced by a range of complex economic, environmental and social factors. As consumer needs and expectations increasingly favour social and experiential high street functions, the need to review the perception of high street success is vital. Here we identify, characterise and evaluate a set of criteria that can be used to assess the high street sustainability. By conducting the survey amongst professional experts and residents, the significance of these criteria is determined. Through the application of multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) method COmplex PRoportional ASsessment (COPRAS), the sustainability of several towns' high streets in England is assessed. Altogether, this study for the first time develops a sustainability assessment framework for the high street. It can be used to assist policy makers and key stakeholders in making effective decisions regarding the allocation of resources and identifying locations that require investment and development. The sustainability assessment framework for the high street can assist in achieving national and global commitments for the sustainable development. Highlights: The sustainability assessment framework can support stakeholders and policy makers in the assessment of high streets. Due to the weighting of the decision criteria, the decision maker is able to assess sustainability of high streets. The developed framework comprises the views of both professionals and local residents. A range of economic, environmental and social criteria are included into the assessment of high street sustainability. The framework supports national UK and global commitments for sustainable development.