Historic cities were organic beasts. Paths emerged to connect homes, shops, services, and public places with little planning at all. While there were issues with sanitation, fire risks, and overcrowding, life bustled in local pockets. Time has changed that. With modern developments, keeping traffic moving became the main planning issue, and commerce relocated to cheaper land on the outskirts – or online. Many town and city centres went into decline. Often with consequences for quality of life.

But they are experiencing a resurgence. People-centred cities, car-free neighbourhoods, 15-minute cities, mixed mobility, and investment are helping to revive the dying high street. Access, local businesses, green and enjoyable public spaces, and comfort are being prioritised. Here we collect together all the CityChanger stories pertinent to city centres. Whether it’s streets designed through public participation, how colour and placemaking has restored pride in a neighbourhood, or what measures a municipality can take to mitigate heat and flooding downtown, you’ll find inspiration here to breathe life into city centres old and new.