New recommendations for the future of the British high street have been revealed, following the completion of a five-year programme led by Manchester Met
The task force found that a collaborative and structured approach to high street regeneration, underpinned by quality research and independent expert advice can lead to improvements in high street performance.
The programme uncovered four key areas that are imperative for high street revitalisation: investing in place management, building inclusive partnerships, improving the physical experience and fostering place leadership and long-term hyperlocal governance structures.
The task force was commissioned by the UK government in 2019 to provide guidance, tools and skills to help communities, partnerships and local governments across England transform their high streets.
The £9million project was an international first and provided practical placemaking skills to over 2,000 stakeholders. It was led by the Institute of Place Management at Manchester Metropolitan University.
The HSTF collaborated with nearly half (48%) of all Local Authorities in England, with a total of 149 high streets engaging with the programme.
It also played an important role in shaping new place-based policies, especially the High Street Accelerators, which has helped inform the £1.5 billion Plan for Neighbourhoods programme.
While the programme provided positive next steps and recommendations, it also uncovered certain roadblocks that are preventing high streets from improving.
It found the main barrier to town and city centres reviving and meeting the needs of their communities is the lack of suitable local governance structures that usually would help mobilise stakeholders, including young people.
The findings highlighted that people-powered regeneration can only take place when individuals who care passionately and are willing to bring creativity, enthusiasm and expertise to the task of revitalisation, are empowered to do so by both national and local government. This includes practical support like training and advice from experts who can help local people understand and unlock the potential of their high street.
Professor Cathy Parker, Professor of Place Management at Manchester Metropolitan University, and the Research Lead for the task force said: “We’re thrilled with the success of the High Streets Task Force programme and to have found out how we can tangibly support the improvement of England’s high streets and town centres moving forwards. Our findings suggest there is a clear route map for high street regeneration starting with councils working at a hyperlocal scale to understand unique challenges and opportunities.
“Councils should then foster place partnerships with local leaders from business, community, and public sectors, who have a long-term interest in success. These partnerships can then act quickly to tackle issues such as reducing vacant units, which then increase footfall, and improve perceptions.”
Commenting on the High Streets Task Force, Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Local Growth Alex Norris, said: “Supporting our communities’ high streets is vital, and through measures such as our £1.5 billion Plan for Neighbourhoods and High Street Rental Auctions we are taking action to help them thrive and grow.
“This task force has provided valuable insights into how high streets can adapt and thrive in a changing world. As shopping habits and high streets themselves evolve, this government will continue to support and empower local places, while fixing the foundations of the economy on which our town centres depend.”
