UK seeks to transform town centres with new cafés and bars

The UK government is seeking significant changes to planning and licensing regulations, aimed at revitalising high streets and encouraging the establishment of new cafés, bars and music venues in vacant spaces.

The introduction of a new National Licensing Policy Framework is expected to reduce the cost and complexity associated with opening and operating hospitality venues.

The initiative aims to aid small businesses and foster community reconnection.

The reforms are designed to simplify the conversion of disused shops while protecting established pubs, clubs and music venues from noise complaints by new developments.

The government is planning to incorporate the "agent of change" principle into national planning and licensing policy, requiring developers to soundproof buildings near existing nightlife spots.

Plans are in place to create dedicated hospitality zones where permissions for outdoor dining, street parties and extended opening hours will be expedited.

The new framework will offer a streamlined and standardised process for securing planning permission and licences, eliminating the varied local regulations that currently hinder small business ventures.

Entrepreneurs will benefit from a reduction in hurdles, leading to quicker decisions and lower costs when transforming empty shops into bars, cafés or music venues.

This transformation is part of the High Street Rental Auction Scheme, which enables councils to auction leases for commercial properties vacant for longer than a year. The scheme is intended to repurpose empty shops into lively community hubs.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated: “This government has a plan to replace shuttered-up shops with vibrant places to socialise, turning them into thriving cafés or busy bars, which supports local jobs and gives people a place to get together and catch up over a beer or a coffee.

“From faster café openings to easier alfresco dining, our Plan for Change will put the buzz back into our town centres and money back into the pockets of local entrepreneurs, because when small businesses thrive, communities come alive.”

In July 2025, the government announced plans to pilot a state-subsidised restaurant in Dundee to offer underprivileged families access to wholesome meals within a social setting.

"UK seeks to transform town centres with new cafés and bars" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.

 

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