Repurposing The High Street For Later Living

• Published date: 22 July 2021
• Subject Matter: Employment and HR, Real Estate and Construction, Retirement, Superannuation & Pensions, Real Estate
• 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 generation are now seeking out sociable communities within close proximity of a town or city centre. Being surrounded by the hustle and bustle of town life offers the opportunity to take advantage of shops, restaurants and other cultural activities.

While car parking is often high up on the list of requirements for retirement living, building these communities close to all the necessary amenities reduces the reliance placed on motor cars by the older generation and could therefore be argued is more sustainable in the long run.

The challenges

However, city centre sites can be considerably harder to deliver from a construction perspective.

In the event a building is listed, developers will need to make extra considerations. As well as ensuring the basic requirements for retirement-friendly housing are met, such as accessible entrances and elevators, developers will also need to work within the existing infrastructure which can be more...