A LEADING trade association believes the high street can still be revived and reimagined.

Responding to the ‘High streets and town centres 2030’ report published by the Select Committee for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders said he was encouraged by the report.

He said: "Central to breathing new life into our high street is converting empty or underused spaces above shops into new homes.

"These kind of homes would be ideal for young families and professionals, and would benefit the high street through increased footfall to the ‘activity-based community gathering places’ which the report wants us to aspire to."

Mr Berry believes the right way to protect high streets is to avoid empty spaces going to waste by filling them with shops or homes.

He added: “With a survey of cross-party MPs showing that 90 per cent of respondents recognise the potential of our existing buildings to help solve the housing crisis, I would urge the Government to accept the recommendation to conduct a review of our high streets as quickly as possible.