Covid has had a devastating effect on our high streets. Thousands of physical stores have disappeared as lockdowns have taken hold – an average of 48 permanently closed every day last year – translating as the worst decline on record. As a result, our cities and large conurbations are in danger of becoming ghost towns.

So the new report published this week by the Centre for Policy Studies, the think tank, which proposes reinventing and reusing vacant commercial properties could represent a lifeline to ensure the vibrancy of our cities – as well as addressing the escalating housing crisis.