We easily forget that large parts of our cities (yes, even Australian cities) grew up before mass-motorisation. These older areas are not just 'inner-city' areas but include villages that have been swallowed up by urban sprawl. They have many of the ideal characteristics for what, in the modern jargon, are urban villages. Some of these have been 'discovered', although often in a very one-dimensional way through concentrations of cafes and restaurants. Many others are home to marginally-viable businesses and have a run-down feel to them.

These centres can (and should) be the focus for relocalisation. They are places that people can walk to, although we might have to reclaim space from the motor vehicle in places. They are built to a human scale and have variety and interest in their buildings and businesses. They are places where small business can compete with the national and multi-national chains to avoid what the New Economics Foundation (http://www.neweconomics.org) has called the 'clone town' syndrome and the associated 'ghost town' state.

Well, there is good news. As petrol becomes more expensive - and it will, don't be lulled into a false sense of security by the current downturn in the oil price - people will seek to meet more of their needs locally rather than driving long distances to sterile big box shopping centres. This is central to the burgeoning Mainstreet movement in Australia and forms the basis of the National Mainstreet Conferences, the next of which will be held in Fremantle, Western Australia, 15-18 March 2009 - see http://www.mainstreet2009.com.au for more details. This conference will include a presentation and panel session focused on the work of the New Economics Foundation mentioned above. The final day of the conference will be spent on 'Workshops in the Mainstreet' which will give participants the opportunity to see, firsthand, and to discuss what is being done in a number of older and new centres around the Perth Metropolitan Region. All travel to and from these Workshops in the Mainstreet will be by train, highlighting how a modern rail system can support such centres even in a low-density city like Perth.

Hope to see you in Fremantle in March 2009.