Latest News

New research led by Dr Lotanna Emediegwu at Manchester Metropolitan University shows that every 1°C rise in summer temperatures cuts UK economic growth by around 2.4%. While sunshine boosts retail and leisure, heatwaves reduce productivity, damage crops, disrupt transport and strain health.

For place managers, the message is clear: adapting our towns and cities for climate resilience is not just environmental - it is an urgent economic priority.

Manchester Metropolitan University is developing a new Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Place Management, designed to support the next generation of professionals working to shape and improve towns, cities, and communities across the UK. We are inviting managers and team leaders to join a free online information session this September to learn more.

The Institute of Place Management welcomes the Government’s announcement of the Pride in Place programme and the recognition that high streets, town centres, and community assets are central to restoring local pride and tackling regional inequality. For too long, many communities have lacked the powers and resources to shape their own futures. Proposals to strengthen community ...

High streets don’t just function - they feel. Research by Dr Chloe Steadman and Loretta Lipworth trialled creative and sensory methods (drawing, photography, poetry, soundwalks, smellwalks, sensory participation) to capture atmospheres. Findings show methods must be flexible, weather-aware, and blended. Their guides help place managers embrace emotional, multisensory insights. 

With 100 days to go, until Christmas households and high streets across the UK will soon be dusting off boxes of lights and decorations.  Yet in times of tight budgets, Christmas lights are often among the first things to be cut. Our research shows why that is a false economy. 

Manchester Metropolitan University has achieved its highest-ever position in the Guardian University Guide, ranked 33rd in the UK - an impressive climb of 24 places in just one year.  This milestone follows a year of exceptional achievements for the University. In August, we were  shortlisted for University of the Year by the Daily Mail, a recognition of our rising reputation, ...

A powerful new documentary by Manchester Met filmmaking student Baka Bah has shone a light on the strength, creativity and resilience of Moss Side - challenging the stigma that has followed the neighbourhood for decades.

The Success of Moss Side, a 40-minute community-led film supported by Manchester Met’s 200-year anniversary Rise Programme, premiered on Saturday 6 September at Factory International, Manchester.

The House of Commons has launched a call for evidence on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, inviting written submissions ahead of detailed scrutiny in Public Bill Committee. This represents an important opportunity for place managers and civic leaders to shape one of the most significant pieces of legislation for local governance in a generation. The Bill, w ...

Ahead of the High Street Positives event in Darlington on Thursday 11 September - organised by IPM Fellow Laura Harris - we are revisiting research published in January 2024 in the Journal of Place Management & Development (JPMD) by  Dr Viriya Taecharungroj  and Dr Ioana Stoica, which focuses on the host town. The study -  Assessing place experiences in Luton and Darlington ...

Japan Week in Manchester (4–11 September 2025) opened yesterday, celebrating the city’s growing cultural, business, and academic connections with Japan. Today, Manchester Metropolitan University is welcoming the Japanese Ambassador and delegation, who are touring the University’s Institute of Sport and Fuel Cell Innovation Centre. Later, in the Council Chambers, the official si ...