High Streets Task Force completes work to address challenges facing town centres

The High Streets Task Force (HSTF) has concluded its five-year programme, marking a significant milestone in efforts to revitalise England’s town centres.

Established in response to a recommendation by the Expert Panel chaired by retail leader Sir John Timpson, the Task Force has delivered ground-breaking work to address the challenges faced by town centres and high streets across England.

As the High Streets Task Force concludes its five-year programme, today (29th November) also sees the publication of a new report from the House of Lords Built Environment Committee on high streets in towns and small cities. Many of the Committee’s findings resonate strongly with the work of the HSTF, highlighting the ongoing importance of research-led, collaborative approaches to high street renewal.

The release of the report, coinciding with a High Streets Task Force celebration event, demonstrates Manchester Metropolitan University’s pivotal role in revitalising the nation’s high streets and town centres. The Institute of Place Management, based at Manchester Metropolitan University, has led the UK Government’s High Streets Task Force, while academics including Dr Chloe Steadman attended a private session to prepare for the Inquiry, while Dr Lucy Montague from the university was a special advisor to the House of Lords Inquiry. Together, these efforts highlight the central role of Manchester Metropolitan’s world-class academic research, professional expertise, and strategic insights.

Launched in 2019 following a competitive bid led by Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Place Management, the High Street Task Force brought together a consortium of universities, professional bodies, and community-focused organisations. Over the past five years, the programme has supported 150 local authorities and thousands of stakeholders, leaving a legacy of impactful interventions and resources.

Key achievements of the High Street Task Force include:

• Empowering Local Authorities: 79% of councils acted on HSTF recommendations, with 69% increasing their capacity for high street transformation through improved collaboration.
• Building Expertise: Nearly 1,000 place makers were trained, with 90% reporting enhanced skills and 97% feeling encouraged to collaborate further.
• Innovative Resources: The HSTF created the world’s most comprehensive online library for high streets, featuring over 1,000 items accessed by 45,000 unique visitors.
• Expert Support: Over 100 professionals contributed 2,700 hours of local analysis and 300 days of expert guidance to high streets in need.
• Positive Narrative Shift: The programme challenged the “death of the high street” narrative, showcasing stories of renewal and hope.

Professor Cathy Parker MBE, Research Lead for the Task Force, commented:

“The High Streets Task Force has shown what is possible when government, research, expertise, and community effort come together. The future of our high streets depends on sustaining this momentum. I am pleased that the findings from the new House of Lords Inquiry reinforce the work of the Task Force, and demonstrate the vital role that academics at Manchester Metropolitan University are playing in shaping the future of high streets and town centre”