New online resource launched to help struggling high streets
A new on-line resource has been launched to help struggling town centres and high streets.
The Association of Town Centre Management’s 100 Ways to Help the High Street has been introduced to coincide with government support for the Portas Town Team pilot programme.
The association said that www.100ways.org.uk is an “encyclopaedic” collection of tools and ideas to give inspiration to town teams, town centre managers, local government officers, elected councillors, local retailers and members of the public.
Martin Blackwell, chief executive of the ATCM, explained: “Interest from the government and support in particular from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the European Regional Development Fund has enabled the creation of this new on-line resource. It is a response to the rise in vacancies caused by the recession and depressed consumer spending and will become a valuable first port of call for high street regeneration.”
The resource also examines the powers now afforded to local authorities, businesses and communities through the Localism Act (2011) and the National Planning Policy Framework to undertake positive change in more innovative ways.
Blackwell added: “We hope that by adding ‘100 Ways’ to our toolbox ATCM will provide areas across the country with valuable first hand experiences from a variety of sources.
“Some of the schemes available here are more ambitious than others and some more expensive to put in place. ‘100 Ways’ is a pick and mix and is an evolving project that will grow and expand, showcasing new examples of best practice in town centre management for years to come.
“Regardless of your town centre’s size, whether or not you have developed a mature partnership and whatever your budget, success is achievable through cooperation.”
