In June, estate agents Winkworth launched their Property Exchange podcast where they discuss the latest developments in the property market. The podcast is presented by commentator and broadcaster Anne Ashworth and for the second episode, The Property Exchange explores what could happen to empty units on Britain’s high street.

Retailer John Lewis recently announced plans to build 10,000 homes on company land over the next 10 years. Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is also expected to detail measures to help Britain’s struggling high streets. These recent developments have spurred The Property Exchange to question the future of retail to residential.

In the podcast, The Property Exchange explores the challenges of turning the increasing number of empty units on Britain’s high streets into good quality homes in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Property Exchange also examines whether the high street is likely to become home for a new generation of occupiers.  

Ashworth is joined by Winkworth’s chief executive, Dominic Agace, who speaks about the emerging trend of hyperlocal living where the pandemic has shown that people want traditional retail such as butchers, bakeries and wine shops within walking distance as part of a local community. 

Adam Stackhouse, Winkworth’s head of developments and commercial investments, also joins the podcast and weighs in on why we need to keep high streets vibrant while exploring opportunities for homes in former retail and commercial spaces in the roads leading to the high streets.

Stackhouse points out why local authorities and government should make it easier at the planning stage for new homes to be developed along the routes leading to high streets and local centres. He predicts a return to living over the shop, restoring and converting tired and neglected yet architecturally splendid buildings to deliver quality residential space, and recalls his grandparents, who lived on The Strand, having a grand piano lifted nine floors to their flat above the shops below. 

Agace said: “The Property Exchange offers the chance to hear Winkworth’s experts to give their views and insights on the latest hot topic and our latest discussion on the future of the high street provides some interesting food for thought.” 

You can download the latest episode from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Audio Boom.