Repurposing The High Street For Later Living

• Published date: 22 July 2021
• Law Firm: Shakespeare Martineau
• Author: Ms Louise Drew

It is estimated that every year, unsuitable housing costs the NHS '1.4 billion. Issues with cold, damp and hazards causing trips and falls are leading to poor physical and mental health amongst the elderly. But what if there was a way to resolve this?

Last year, COVID-19 caused an average of 48 shops, restaurants and other leisure and hospitality venues to close permanently every day across England, Wales and Scotland. With a high number of empty units available, could repurposing the high street provide a better and safer solution to retirement housing?

The benefits

As reports of isolation are increasing, many of the retired...