Everywhere spaces
Clone Town Britain: the loss of local identity on the nation’s high streets (PDF)
This report launches a national survey to find out why the places that we live and shop seem to be turning into clone towns… The modern British high street supposedly provides all things for all people: big brand outlets selling the latest global fashion wear; convenience stores that offer handy ‘one-stop’ shopping facilities, video stores offering the latest Hollywood blockbusters, and fast food chains to refuel after a hard day’s shopping. The high-street fantasy is that we have reached the consumers’ nirvana - unlimited choice. However, like all magic tricks, the illusion of choice is now being exposed as a fraud. The subtle spread of clone towns is being mourned by many, as people become increasingly conscious that the appearance of another chain store on their high street provides them with little more than an additional outlet to buy exactly what everyone else is buying…
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I like all sorts of things related to New Urbanism, but I do wonder if it is really so simple.
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