Eventually the gap sites should be filled, the empty shops occupied and the public realm upgraded. However I’m less optimistic about the built heritage. I did the same tour about 10 years ago and my perception is that there wasn't as much dilapidation of buildings as there is now. Owners seem less willing or able to invest in basic maintenance let alone redevelopment now. The council produce strategy documents but don’t have the money/powers to really turn things around. The lack of SG and UkG action is frustrating.
One thing i'd been pondering is if it would be a good idea to introduce a requirement to have a 5 yearly building survey carried out and the results sent to the local council, for all listed buildings.
There is already talk of mandatory 5 yearly surveys for residential blocks of flats/tenements in the proposed update to the common ownership/maintenance laws. If householders are expected to pay for them then i don't see how it could be overly onerous to ask commercial property owners to, too.
Then the issue becomes do the councils have the resources and powers to review and act on all the reports, but a) we can cross that bridge when we get to it, and b) i think there would be value in it anyway as getting a report saying "there's a fkn tree growing out your stonework, Christ only knows how much damage that's doing" would focus minds and get some repairs done regardless
