The communities secretary will today announce plans to support the conversion of empty high street premises into homes and community hubs.

James Brokenshire has said the Government’s Open Doors project will link landlords with vacant retail units with community groups offering vital services.

There are currently over 27,000 premises lying vacant in England’s town centres.

‘We need to be imaginative in tackling the social and economic challenges our communities face,’ said Mr Brokenshire.

‘This includes seizing the enormous opportunity before us to transform our high streets into vibrant community hubs where people work, live and shop.

‘That is why I’m delighted to be launching the new Open Doors project that will see empty shops being opened up to community groups offering services to the most vulnerable in our communities.’

The communities secretary will also launch a new Community Roadshow, where he and his ministerial team will travel across the country to learn from community groups.