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.
It was a privilege to be an Expert with the government’s High Streets Task Force (HSTF) during its five-year existence (2019 to 2024), working alongside colleagues from the Institute of Place Management (IPM).
In my case, the HSTF gave me the opportunity to work with councils and stakeholders in Hartlepool, Ellesmere Port, Swinton, Longton, Hull, Grimsby, Guisborough, Darlington, Fulham, Plymouth, Attercliffe, Horncastle, Burnley, Tamworth and Prudhoe, and I still regularly cite the experiences and findings from being involved in such diverse and interesting towns and cities.
So, it’s great that the “official” findings and evaluation are now out there in the public realm, as a resource that places, and place managers, can reference and learn from.
In my fireside chat with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness last week, live on stage at Durham Business Club, we talked about her upcoming High Streets Commission, and in due course I hope the region will draw from the HSTF lessons and insights where they can be of value here.
Every town and city is different, but there is always much to be gained by learning from what we know already works.
