The top cities leading growth on UK highstreets

Despite a “drab” December for UK high streets with footfall down compared to 2023, a new report has revealed which cities are topping the list for UK high street growth

Though it’s been a tough Christmas period, a new report shows the high street hotspots(Image: Getty Images)

A new report has revealed the UK cities where high streets are growing the most. 2024 was a challenging year for the UK high street with foot traffic dropping by 2.2% compared to the previous year, according to the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) Sensormatic Footfall Monitor.

December was a particularly tough month when visits dropped by 2.5% compared with the previous year. BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “A drab December which saw fewer shoppers in all locations capped a disappointing year for UK retail footfall.”

However, experts are pointing to the UK cities that are on the up.

Towns and cities all across England and Scotland are seeing promising growth on their high streets

Aberdeen is leading the charge, with a massive 82.% growth in their high street over the past five years, SumUp reports.

Barking and Dagenham came in second at 45.1% growth in their high street in the last five years.

Milton Keynes came second with 36% growth, Spelthorne 35.9% came a close fourth at 35.9% and Blackburn with Darwen came fifth at 32.5%.

graph showing cities with most growth in pubs and bars

From Chester to Chatham, pub and bar growth is looking strong

The SumUp report also indicated which UK cities saw the most growth in pubs and bars.

Mansfield topped the list with 62.5% growth between 2020 and 2024. Chatham came second at 50% and Basildon came third at 33.3%.

Hairdressing and beauty shops are on the rise to help save UK high streets

Chatham, Kent has an 83% increase in the openings of hairdressing and beauty businesses in the past five years, the highest percentage increase in the UK.

Harlow has seen the highest percentage growth in takeaway food shops, mobile food stands in the past five years.

Telecommunication equipment stores, games and toy stores and clothing markets are the fastest growing industries on the high street.