Latest News

The “Boosting Britain’s High Streets” campaign, supported by IPM Fellows Diane Cunningham and Graham Soult, calls for a bold, place-based approach to regenerating town centres. Highlighting the need for collaboration across sectors, the campaign promotes high streets as vibrant, multifunctional spaces that reflect local identity and long-term stewardship—principles that align closely with the Institute of Place Management’s mission.

The Regional Studies Association (RSA) brings together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world to explore how regions can respond to the complex challenges of economic, social, and environmental change. Its Regional Futures Conference 2025 will provide a major platform to discuss and debate regional policy, establish new collaborations, and shape futu ...

How does a small rural town become a national exemplar in circular economy innovation? For Circular Malton & Norton CIC, the answer lies in bold ambition, local partnerships, and deeply human values.

The Institute of Place Management  is pleased to share details of an upcoming keynote panel, Place-based Circular Society Innovations, co-hosted by the ESRC Place-based Circular Society Innovations project and the MMU Sustainability Hub. Thursday, 23 October 2025 17:00 - 19:00 (BST) Manchester Metropolitan University Business School Register via Eventbrite Circular economy tr ...

As National Bookshop Day approaches on Saturday 11th October, the Institute of Place Management is reflecting on our  2021 research, Booksellers as Placemakers, which highlighted the powerful role of bookshops in sustaining and revitalising high streets. Booksellers as Placemakers The Contribution of Booksellers to the Vitality and Viability of High Streets Commissioned by the ...

We were delighted to support North West Leicestershire District Council as they launched their new Vitality Fund this week, with the first event taking place in Coalville. Ahead of the launch, the Institute of Place Management completed place quality audits for six high streets across the district. These independent audits provide an objective assessment of how high streets are ...

Today (1 October), leading figures from universities, cultural organisations and community groups gathered to explore how art and design can transform places and strengthen belonging. The Civic and Place: Exploring the Role of the Civic in Art and Design event, organised by the Council for Higher Education in Art and Design (CHEAD), coincided with the publication of a new national working paper, Civic and Place: framing the role of cultural development in Art and Design.

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 ...