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Opinions
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In a bustling pub in the heart of Leeds, the Health on the High Streets Commission was officially launched on Tuesday 19th May, the first day of UKREiiF.
The rain in Leeds did not dampen the mood. As guests filtered into the pub and rattled themselves dry, they were greeted with the Radix team and began conversing about how the first morning at UKREiiF was. It wasn’t long before the room was full of voices in conversation, drowning out the din of music.
The launch was a moment bringing together commissioners, stakeholders and those interested in the commission’s mission to both improve public health and act as a catalyst for local high street regeneration.
The lively conversations were then broken up by speeches from key voices to the commission - Beginning with Radix’s Ben Rich, who spoke about Radix Big Tent’s history and approach to delivering real reforms. Talking attendees through some of the organisation’s recent projects, and outlining key wins on the infrastructure reform bill among others.
Next, commission chair Ibrahim Ibrahim spoke about the importance of the juncture between health and high street regeneration. In his short speech, he highlighted the importance of “making these places work”, so that they can continue to work for the communities they serve.
Chair of the Radix Big Tent Fellows, Mark Robinson, then spoke about the commission’s origin. Highlighting the challenge embedded within health care and high street delivery systems as an opportunity, rather than a barrier.
Finally, Helen Wheddon, Partner at Stevens & Bolton briefly touched on the obstacles that lawyers faced to supporting health on the high street and how delighted Stevens & Bolton are to be involved in the commission.
The convivial spirit of the event was amplified by the attendees, some of which travelled up to Leeds specifically for this launch, who stuck around well after the launch wrapped up. Some talking to the commissioners present in the room, others between themselves. Walking through the crowded venue, snippets of conversations could be heard - heated debates about gentrification, the role of architects and broader policy landscape. All questions that the commission will consider as part of its remit.
The commission will run from May until Spring 2027. During this period, Radix Big Tent will deliver four theme-specific roundtables to discuss and consider the different elements that influence and shape the regeneration and revival of the high street, focussing specifically on the role healthcare provision could play in delivering said regeneration.
Radix Big Tent would like to thank Sidara Collective, Stevens & Bolton and James Totty Partnership for their support of this commission.
If you’re interested in contributing to the commission, please take a moment to fill out our survey here - Health on the High Streets Commission Survey.