Member Spotlight: Joy McGeown, FIPM
The Institute of Place Management brings together people working to make places better across the UK and internationally. In our Members in the Spotlight series, we want to introduce some of those people, celebrate the work they are doing and, importantly, share the ideas and experiences that others can learn from. This time, we meet Joy McGeown, Project Manager at Telford & Wrekin Council. Read her story below and discover what inspires her approach to place.
Working in regeneration has shown me just how complex place management can be. Successful high streets are about far more than retail – they are about community, identity, accessibility, heritage, business support, culture, investment and creating places where people genuinely want to spend time. I wanted to join IPM because it provides an opportunity to connect with other professionals who are facing many of the same challenges and opportunities. I am particularly interested in sharing good practice and learning from approaches being taken in other towns and cities.
As a Project Manager working within local government, I am passionate about creating thriving places that support residents, businesses and visitors. The Institute of Place Management provides an excellent opportunity to connect with professionals facing similar challenges and opportunities, while learning from best practice across the sector. Joining IPM felt like a natural step in developing my understanding of place-based approaches and contributing to the wider conversation around creating successful town centres and communities.
I am keen to broaden my knowledge of place management and learn from successful regeneration projects across the UK and beyond, gaining insight into innovative approaches. After working within regeneration for many years, I think there is enormous value in being able to step outside your own area and see how other places are tackling issues such as changing shopping habits, vacant units, business engagement and the changing role of our high streets. I would also like to build a wider professional network where ideas, experiences and practical solutions can be shared.
While I’ve visited many interesting places, one place that really stands out to me is Rua Luís de Camões in Águeda, Portugal, particularly the Umbrella Sky Project. Hundreds of colourful umbrellas are suspended above the street, creating this incredible canopy of colour. I have always loved the way the display changes at different times of the year and how much pride and creativity you can see in the way the town presents itself. I visit Portugal several times a year and always head to see the shops in Águeda.
From a regeneration and place management perspective, what I find particularly inspiring is how such a relatively simple idea has given the area such a strong identity. It makes people stop, look, take photographs and spend time in the street, which in turn helps generate footfall for surrounding businesses. The project has become recognised internationally and has helped make the town itself a destination. For me, it demonstrates that successful placemaking does not always require major capital investment. Sometimes a creative idea, delivered well and embraced by the community, can completely change how people experience and remember a place. It gives you a real sense that the town is proud of itself and wants visitors to feel that pride too.
The project that has probably influenced me most is the project I manage, Telford & Wrekin Council Pride in Our High Street Programme. Being able to work across six very different borough towns has reinforced that there is no single solution to successful regeneration.Each town has its own personality, challenges, businesses and communities, and I have seen how relatively small interventions can sometimes make a significant difference. Working directly with businesses and local communities has also reinforced how important it is that regeneration is done with people rather than simply for them.
One thing I am hoping for in being an IPM member, would be the opportunity to gain new ideas and practical approaches that are making measurable differences that I can take back into my own work. Being able to learn from the successes — and equally the lessons learned — from other places is incredibly valuable.
What’s the one thing you think IPM should be focusing on as a professional institute?
I think one of the biggest priorities that IPM should have is helping place professionals navigate the changing role of the high street. Supporting professionals with evidence based research, practical guidance and opportunities for collaboration will be essential in helping high streets to remain relevant, resilient and sustainable for future generations
High streets are continuing to evolve and their future cannot be based solely around traditional retail. Successful places increasingly need a mix of independent businesses, leisure, culture, community uses, events, services and experiences. IPM has an important role in bringing together evidence, innovation and practical examples of what works, while also ensuring that the voices of businesses and communities remain at the heart of place management.
