The High Street Classroom
Building Knowledge and Capacity for London’s High Streets and Town Centres
High streets are central to everyday life, with 90% of Londoners living within 10 minutes of one. They host 41% of the capital’s businesses and nearly 1.5 million jobs, while providing vital social spaces. London’s high streets face challenges from the cost-of-living crisis, pandemic recovery, changing shopping habits, and the climate emergency.
Since January 2024, The High Street Classroom, has been delivered by JA Projects, Architecture00 and Kelly Drake, on behalf of the Mayor of London as part of the High Street Network. The Network brings together passionate practitioners to make London’s high streets inclusive, resilient, and thriving.
The Strategy
The High Street Classroom treats London’s high streets as a classroom. It combines visits, seminars, working groups, coaching, and social activities to support knowledge exchange, collaboration, and professional development across boroughs. The programme provides a safe space for sharing best practice, exploring policy, and developing leadership skills for junior Local Authority officers.
The Programme
Visits to inspiring projects across London, guided by local stakeholders and community leaders
Seminars exploring high street trends, policy, and emerging challenges
Working Groups tackling specific issues, such as rental auctions and regeneration strategies
High Street School of Thought, a coaching programme supporting leadership and partnership development
Social gatherings and networking opportunities
Wider Impact
Across Terms 1 and 2, the programme has grown to 333 members across all 32 boroughs, up from 149 in Term 1. Participants report stronger networks and partnerships, with 94% confirming tangible benefits. The network reflects London’s diversity, with 40% identifying as non-white and 65% women. The programme also embeds social value through support for local micro-enterprises and paid placements for underrepresented groups.
Engagement and Legacy
The High Street Classroom strengthens London’s capacity for high street regeneration, helping participants apply learning in practice and fostering collaboration across the capital. Term 3 begins in October, continuing to expand networks, share expertise, and develop inclusive and resilient high streets.
Find out more about the High Street Network on the GLA website.
Join the Network here and sign up to events here!
Thanks to JA Projects and GLA for use of images.