Third and Final term of the High Street Classroom
We have now completed the third and final term of the High Street Classroom. This concluding phase introduced a new series of events, an additional working group, and a dedicated coaching programme, expanding both the scope and impact of the initiative.
The High Street Network brings together a community of passionate individuals committed to improving London’s high streets and town centres. United by a shared ambition, members work to ensure these spaces become more inclusive, resilient, and vibrant places for all.
The High Street Classroom is a dynamic learning programme built around events and collaborative activities. Treating London’s high streets as an open classroom, participants visit projects, exchange knowledge, and develop ideas that support positive, long-term growth for Londoners. The programme is open to local authority officers, business leaders, community advocates, and others invested in the future of the high street.
Across the programme, activities have included:
Visits to inspiring projects across London
Seminars addressing key high street themes
Working groups focused on developing innovative responses to shared challenges
Informal social gatherings to strengthen connections across the network
Term 3 highlights included:
Co-Design on the High Street explored collaborative approaches between councils, communities, and designers, using Roman Road as a case study for participatory practice.
Creative Economies on the High Street examined the role of the creative industries in driving regeneration, with a visit to Deptford showcasing the interplay of culture, enterprise, and affordable workspace.
The Future of the High Street looked ahead to emerging challenges and opportunities—from automation to shifting patterns of work and consumption—setting out ambitions for more inclusive and resilient high street futures.
The High Street Classroom is led by JA Projects in partnership with Architecture00 and Kelly Drake
Image: High Street Classroom by JA Projects, photo credit JA Projects
