As Cardiff’s high streets wrestle with declining footfall and increasing vacancy rates, a new report suggests the solution might be right under our feet—literally.
At a recent event in Cardiff’s Senedd, experts and policy leaders gathered to discuss the updated Pedestrian Pound report by UK walking charity Living Streets. The key message? Walkable communities are not just good for our health and the environment—they’re also good for business.
The Power of Pedestrians
According to the report, people who walk into town centres tend to spend more money than those who arrive by car. That may seem counterintuitive at first, but pedestrianised areas naturally attract greater footfall and encourage people to linger, browse, and buy.
And that’s exactly what’s missing from many of Cardiff’s retail areas right now.
Despite headline-grabbing events like Taylor Swift concerts and 6 Nations rugby matches bringing crowds to the city, overall footfall in Cardiff dropped by 8.1% in 2024. Combine that with a record number of retail closures in 2022 and a one-in-six shop vacancy rate, and it’s clear that change is needed.
A Local Success Story: Cardiff Farmers Markets
One shining example of pedestrian power at work is Cardiff Farmers Markets, which runs three bustling weekly markets in Riverside, Roath, and Rhiwbina. While many high street shops struggle, these markets continue to thrive.
“Even now, footfall remains higher than pre-pandemic levels,” says Carol Alyce Adams, General Manager of Cardiff Farmers Markets. “Many stalls sell out every weekend. We have a waiting list for certain types of stalls, and many people who live locally come every week, often on foot or by bike.”
But the markets offer more than just fresh produce—they serve as a hub for community life.
“Farmers markets like the ones run by Cardiff Farmers Markets play a unique role in connecting shoppers directly with the people who produce their food,” explains Pearl Costello, Food Cardiff Coordinator. “They bring healthy, planet-friendly food into the heart of our city communities. They also serve a social purpose, connecting people from a diverse range of backgrounds and introducing them to a wider world of stories about food, cooking and growing.”
Walkability = Vibrancy
Living Streets Chief Executive Catherine Woodhead adds that walkable high streets serve a critical social function: “The high street can be a lifeline for those who need social interaction, providing a place to visit, spend time and feel part of a community.”
And the economic benefits are clear. The latest Pedestrian Pound report includes 12 case studies from towns and cities across the UK—including Cardiff, Swansea, and Caldicot—where simple street improvements led to increased footfall and sales.
The Bottom Line
As policymakers grapple with how to revive struggling high streets, walking deserves serious attention—not just as a transport choice, but as a tool for economic recovery and social connection.
Because when we invest in walkable places, we’re not just building better streets—we’re building stronger communities.
You can download the full report from Living Streets here: livingstreets.org.uk/PedestrianPound
