Can local communities reinvent the UK high street?

In Dewsbury and Birkenhead, once bustling towns now grappling with declining high streets, there's a glimmer of hope as local communities try to reinvent their commercial landscapes. Laura Onita of the FT explores initiatives aimed at revitalizing these areas, from pop-up shops to community-driven projects. The stakes are high as these towns aim to reverse the trend of retail decline, potentially offering a model for other struggling UK high streets. It's a critical moment that could reshape the future of retail in the UK.