Government publishes new High Streets Strategy
The Institute of Place Management (IPM) at Manchester Metropolitan University welcomes the publication of Hope on the High Street (28th October 2026), the Government’s High Streets Strategy, following today’s Budget announcement.
We are particularly pleased that the strategy’s first pillar is “Active leadership and management”. From IPM’s perspective, these underpin delivery across the other five pillars: effective local leadership, skilled place management and strong partnerships help turn investment and policy commitments into coordinated action and lasting improvements.
Manchester Metropolitan University’s research on high street change and place management underpins IPM’s contribution to the strategy. The strategy explicitly references IPM’s Making the Most of High Street Investment and Markets Matter, alongside High Streets Task Force footfall evidence.
Drawing on Task Force findings, the strategy reports that around 40% of the high streets studied lacked effective partnership arrangements. This reinforces the importance of addressing governance and local capacity alongside physical regeneration.
Alongside the ongoing Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee inquiry, the strategy provides an opportunity to connect national ambition with the expertise and partnerships needed on the ground.
Read the full strategy: Hope on the High Street.
Join our initial discussion
We will explore the strategy and its implications for place management and local delivery at an initial online event for members at 10am on Tuesday 3rd November. Register for the discussion.
In the meantime, I would welcome your views. What do you think to what is included? What does the strategy mean for your place, and what support will you need to put it into practice?
