The crisis faced by many town centres and how to revive them, has been extensively debated over recent months. The Portas Review has made a series of recommendations, most of which have been adopted by ministers. However this debate has not addressed the reasons why so many town centres are failing to achieve the meaningful new development and investment needed to secure their future. Examines the problems facing town centres and the particular obstacles to new development and how to overcome these. Highlights the need to identify and actively promote appropriate and realistic new schemes.

Introduction -- the challenges facing town centres -- responding to the challenges -- step 1: assessing the market potential -- step 2: framing the development opportunity -- step 3: delivery -- step 4: funding --conclusions.