Félicie Krikler, director at Assael Architecture, said:

“Sainsbury’s decision to rehouse the catalogue retailer Argos within their supermarkets is a hint of the design transformation needed to revive our high streets as traditional retailers look to intensify land use.

“Mixed-use developments which house retailers, offices, and residential within one area is key to driving consumer demand back to physical stores, while combatting the common issues of business rates, bad weather and political uncertainty that are undermining traditional retail offerings.

“Take France for instance – rural villages have long been suffering the decline of their local cafés due to financial struggles but a recent push to expand their use into spaces for internet access, grocery shopping, and postal services is bringing these community hubs back to the centre of the high street.

“We need to realise that the best way to solve the current decline of retail is to look at alternative designs in town infrastructure and start developing our towns and cities with a long-term plan in mind.”