I can only see the future for town centres if planning laws change and allow town centre living as love at first bite has touched on. When I was in Germany it was the same as Switzerland where people lived above the town centre shops. It was great and the town was a real community. The market squares were really vibrant as if there was a market on, all of the town would come out to it as a social event rather than at present in Stafford people have to travel in
If town centre living was permitted then there would be a re-emergence of independent retailers such as bakers, butchers and fruit and veg.ect as it would then be more convenient than going to a super market. It would also mean that the properties would be well maintained. People who work in town would live in town as opposed to travelling in, reducing congestion. All in all I can only see this as the option for the way forward. You cannot fight how people want to buy and the internet is not going away so change should be embraced.
