Rediscovering mixed-use streets: the contribution of local high streets to sustainable communities

Research into the functions of local high streets and how they contribute to the Government’s agendas on public spaces, social inclusion and sustainability. This study looks at the significance of local high streets to people, as spaces that they travel through and as places where they meet, shop and pursue other activities. It records and investigates the varied aspects of daily life on streets in three case study areas: Ball Hill in Coventry; London Road in Sheffield; the Upper Tooting Road/Mitcham Road approaches to the Tooting Broadway junction in South London. The authors conclude that high streets have a key part to play in developing sustainable urban communities, but that the planning and design of these streets needs to address their sometimes conflicting roles as places for people to visit and as through routes for traffic