Professor Cathy Parker meets Ministers to discuss legacy of the High Streets Task Force

On 19th March, Professor Cathy Parker from the Institute of Place Management at Manchester Metropolitan University, and Mark Robinson, Chair of the High Streets Task Force Board, met with Alex Norris MP, Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety, and Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Services, Small Businesses, and Exports.

The meeting focused on the legacy of the High Streets Task Force, which concluded in September 2024, and its role in shaping future policy. Ministers praised the HSTF’s combination of academic research and expert-led delivery, highlighting its success in supporting over 2,000 stakeholders with practical placemaking skills.

Led by Manchester Metropolitan University, the HSTF brought together world-class research and real-world expertise to deliver support to communities across England. The programme helped unlock the potential of high streets to drive economic growth, strengthen local leadership, and build pride in place.

The discussion also explored the HSTF’s influence on national initiatives such as the High Street Accelerators and the £1.5 billion Plan for Neighbourhoods. Key challenges identified included gaps in local governance, a shortage of place leadership skills, and limited youth engagement.

Ministers expressed strong interest in proposals for Place Partnerships, Place Professional Apprenticeships, and maintaining access to the HSTF’s knowledge hub. Minister Norris also expressed a desire to visit a former HSTF location to see the impact first-hand.

The meeting reinforced the significant role played by Manchester Metropolitan University and the Institute of Place Management in delivering the HSTF and shaping the future of place-based regeneration policy.