Davis argues that town centres will not bounce back just because we tidy them up. They will thrive only if people have money to spend and reasons to show up. Her two big ideas are earning and belonging. First, we need to boost local incomes so people can support high street businesses. That means investing in skills, jobs and local industries, like Andy Burnham’s Manchester Baccalaureate, which links young people to real work opportunities. Second, we need to make town centres places people want to be, not just to shop but to connect, celebrate, and feel part of something. That means parks, play areas, public services and spaces that reflect local history and culture. Her message: regeneration is not about flower planters but is about people, pride and power.