The potential success and resilience of high streets across England can be assessed and measured thanks to a new online tool.
The tool – which was developed by researchers at the Institute of Place Management (IPM) at Manchester Metropolitan University – is designed to be used by local authorities, community groups and civic societies, and any place makers aiming to better understand places and help them survive and develop in the future.
The easy-to-use device uses a range of factors that have been identified by the IPM as key contributors to the ‘viability’ of high streets.
A new report from the IPM explains how a previous focus on economic or spend-related factors in England’s towns and cities has led to a failure in predicting the longer-term success of places.
In a new definition of high street viability, researchers have analysed the impact of out-of-town retailing, the effect of COVID and the recent collapses of major brands and retailers that were familiar sights on high streets across the country.
In an assessment of the viability of places in England, and in creation of the new tool, researchers have focused on five key factors: social and cultural; environmental; technological; political; and economic.
Professor Cathy Parker, Chair of the IPM at Manchester Metropolitan, said: “Our research explored the concept of ‘viability’ by analysing real-life examples of high street activity and infrastructure.
“By focusing on the long-term sustainability and resilience of high streets, we were able to outline a new index which can be used to measure the viability of specific locations.”
To use the tool, users complete a spreadsheet of local information from open data sources provided within the tool such as the Indices of Multiple Deprivation, which measures levels of poverty and the Co-op Wellbeing Index, which gives an insight into what is important to people in a local community such as quality of education, affordable housing and green spaces. Users can also add their own footfall and retail vacancy information to inform the viability score.
The information is converted into a spider diagram displaying a score between 0 and 100 for each measure of viability, with 100 being the top score and 0 being lowest. The diagram helps place leaders quickly see where their challenges and strengths are, and to prioritise future work.
The research and online tool will inform the work of the government’s High Streets Task Force, which is led by the IPM at Manchester Metropolitan.
The Task Force recently announced the latest local authorities in England to receive a package of support to transform towns and cities, which includes expert advice to help deliver long-term transformation to local areas.
Professor Parker added: “We have looked in detail at each factor within our proposed definition of high street viability, laying out what each means for the offer, activity, leadership and management of locations.
“By breaking these factors down further into a range of concepts that are understood by users, managers, businesses and investors on our high streets, we can continue to support the ambitious plans for recovery and long-term growth of places across the country.”
