Bedminster in Bristol is one of only two 'Portas Pilot' towns to see the benefits of joining the scheme.
Ten areas have seen a fall in the number of occupied shop units, according to a report.
The towns were awarded a share of the £1.2million High Street Innovation Fund, launched a year ago, as well as government support and access to retail guru Mary Portas following her review of the sector.
The retail expert Mary Portas has been in the Bedminster area of Bristol today to see how her scheme has helped revive the local economy.
Last year it was chosen as a so-called "Portas Pilot" ahead of hundreds of other places.
The aim of the project was to breathe new life into ailing High Streets.
Nine months on, what effect has she had?
Bob Constantine has been finding out:
The retail guru Mary Portas has been in the Bedminster area of Bristol today to see how her 'Portas Pilot' scheme has helped revive the local economy.
Greengrocer Darren Jones owns a shop in East Street. He says it's been a difficult couple of years:
The retail guru Mary Portas has been in the Bedminster area of Bristol today to see how her 'Portas Pilot' scheme has helped revive the local economy.
She's been impressed with how quickly they've managed to fill empty shop units:
The retail guru Mary Portas is due to visit Bedminster in Bristol today to see how her scheme has helped revive the area.
Last May it was chosen as a "Portas pilot" ahead of hundreds of other towns and given a share of £1.2m as well as support and advice to make improvements.