Canterbury is home to an award-winning business improvement district (BID), which has been providing business support in the city for more than a decade. It’s the perfect example of how this district is leading the way.
The success of Canterbury’s BID has provided a national template for breathing new life into the High Street. Things may be evolving, but the experience in this part of Kent is that reports of its demise are wide of the mark.
So, what is it about the district that is making the difference?
Lisa Carlson, CEO of Canterbury’s Business Improvement District, says the city has all the right ingredients – alongside a supportive business community that is thriving.
There is no doubt that Canterbury is an incredible city. Those of us lucky enough to live and work here are invested in a world-famous cathedral city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Canterbury is a cosmopolitan retail centre with an enviable mix of national brands and independents, an award-winning theatre and cultural scene, four universities and a destination that attracts millions of visitors each year.
The high-speed links to London, meanwhile, continue to attract new residents, along with our proximity to ancient woodland, riverside walks and miles of coastline.
As a business improvement district, we’re focused on empowering businesses, enhancing the experience for everyone, and campaigning for the city and the surrounding area.
High Streets remain the heartbeat of Canterbury district
The High Street has been at the heartbeat of towns across the UK for centuries – with England long described as a nation of shopkeepers.
Changing consumer habits and the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic have resulted in a transformation of what our idea of what the purposes of these off-line shopping throughfares should be in 2025.
Canterbury city centre and the High Streets of Whitstable and Herne Bay are today multi-purpose destinations where it’s the vibe and experience that counts.
These have become places where leisure, community and business have been blended into a new recipe aimed at bringing shoppers back.
This shift has created exciting new opportunities, from flexible working spaces like Fruitworks in Canterbury, to lifestyle businesses like Kesson’s Physio in Whitstable, together bringing a fresh vibe to these historic streets.
A diversified High Street for a new era
High streets are diversifying in order cater to modern lifestyles – with Canterbury no exception. With remote and hybrid working on the rise, co-working hubs have become an essential part of the high street mix, offering working professionals attractive spaces to collaborate, without commuting to London – or as a more social alternative to working from home.
These spaces are not only providing space for freelancers creatives and lapsed commuters but for an ecosystem of supported businesses, from cafes and gyms to retailers big and small.
According to the Local Data Company, high streets with a mix of retail, work, and leisure businesses are 33% more resilient to economic downturns. In Canterbury, re-purposed high street units are thriving as adaptable spaces for professionals and entrepreneurs.
Independent businesses continue to thrive
Similarly, Whitstable and Herne Bay have seen an influx of independent businesses that are contributing to a vibrant and more varied community – including more places offering a service or a more specialist experience, from artisan cheese and vintage fashion to restaurants, coffee shops and Pilates classes.
National trends indicate that 70% of UK consumers now value high streets as multi-functional spaces for leisure, work, and socialising, rather than just shopping hubs (Centre for Cities, 2023). The Canterbury District reflects this, with a diverse high street offering that continues to deliver high footfall, supporting the local economy.
Herne Bay is catching up on the chic harbour-side town of Whitstable with a High Street reshaped for the future with wellness centres, independent bakeries and art galleries, creating a welcoming and eclectic atmosphere on a par with its closest neighbour.
Whitstable continues to blend its traditional charm with top rated dining spots to watch the world go by and sustainable fashion outlets: a winning combination for both locals and visitors alike.
Future trends and opportunities
The evolution of high streets in the Canterbury District signals a positive future for investment and business success. Trends show a growing demand for experiential services, such as workshops, fitness classes, and community-driven initiatives. High streets are no longer just transactional spaces; they’re social and cultural hubs.
- Statistics in action: In 2022, footfall in Canterbury’s city centre increased by 18% compared to 2021, thanks to its diversified offerings (Canterbury BID, 2023).
- Opportunities: With new housing developments planned across the district, the high street will continue to grow as a destination for new residents, increasing demand for blended-use spaces.
Conclusion
By embracing hybrid working trends, supporting innovative businesses, and blending leisure with essential services, Canterbury district has shown the way for the future of town centres across the UK.
For investors, entrepreneurs, and residents alike, the evolution of high streets in the city and the coastal towns of Whitstable and Herne Bay is a story of resilience and innovation, proving that the high street is far from a thing of the past—it’s the foundation of tomorrow.