Webinar to explore how High Streets can thrive

Posted on 23 September 2026

Businesses and communities in Devon are being invited to a free online webinar exploring how to revitalise High Streets and towns centres.

The event, called “From Ideas to Action: Building Thriving High Streets and Town Centres”, will be held from 10am until 12noon on Tuesday 6 October.

We’ve jointly organised the information-packed webinar with Growth Hub and Power to Change. It will explore what’s possible when local people, businesses and partners come together to shape the future of their town centres. The event is aimed at local councils, community organisations, businesses and social enterprises.

Guest speakers include Kate McKenzie, from Power to Change, and Vicki Bidwell, who is the High Streets Policy Lead at the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Councillor Doug Smith, from Great Torrington Town Council, will also talk about the community buy-out of The Globe Hotel in Torrington, where more than 700 shareholders backed a community-led project to transform a long-empty Grade II listed building into a hotel, restaurant, training hub and community asset.

Councillor Simon Clist, Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources, said:

“We’re hoping that people who sign up to this free online event will be inspired by businesses, communities and local partners that are bringing new life to town centres.

“There will be the opportunity to hear real-life examples of community businesses that are finding new ways of keeping the high street alive and taking innovative approaches to bring vacant properties back into use.

“It will also be a good opportunity to discover practical ideas that have worked, and find out about new opportunities and support available to help make change happen in your town.”