CLOA welcomes the publication of Hope on the High Street and its recognition that successful high streets are driven not only by retail, but by culture, libraries, leisure and active wellbeing, learning, heritage and community infrastructure that bring people together and create vibrant places.

The strategy aligns strongly with the National Cultural Framework, commissioned by CLOA and the Local Government Association, which promotes a place-based approach to cultural development and recognises culture as the everyday infrastructure that supports civic participation, wellbeing, identity and economic growth. 

We particularly welcome the emphasis on libraries as vital civic assets and community anchors. This reflects CLOA’s position that libraries are increasingly integrated hubs for culture, skills, digital inclusion, health, learning and wider public services, and should be viewed as an essential part of local government’s place-shaping role.

The report reinforces CLOA’s long-standing view that culture and leisure are fundamental to thriving, inclusive and economically successful places. Museums, leisure centres, heritage assets, cultural venues, events and community programmes all play a critical role in driving footfall, supporting wellbeing and strengthening pride in place.

As the Government takes forward its ambitions for high street renewal and devolution, CLOA looks forward to working with government and partners to ensure that culture, libraries and leisure services are recognised as core drivers of regeneration, inclusive growth and thriving local communities.