London’s town centres must become less reliant on retail in the face of internet sales and out of town shopping malls says the Outer London Commission, which has investigated some of the barriers facing high streets.

The London Assembly’s Planning Committee will meet next week to explore the future role of town centres in the capital.

World-renowned urban planner and architect, Sir Terry Farrell, will give his views, along with other experts.

Some of the questions they will discuss include whether town centres can continue as hubs for retail and employment, or should they reinvent themselves to serve cultural, entertainment and social purposes.

Nicky Gavron, chair of the planning committee, says: "London’s town centres are facing an uncertain future for a number of complex reasons and it is becoming increasingly clear that a conventional policy approach might not be enough to revitalise them. We need a new vision for what London's town centres will be in the future."

The committee will be discussing issues such as customer behaviour, retail, technology, transport, demographics, sustainable development and investment, as well as general issues of what a town centre is for the 21st century.