IPM Statement on the UK Government's 'Pride in Place' Programme
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 rights to acquire boarded-up shops, save cherished pubs and libraries, and block the proliferation of unwanted uses represent a significant step towards giving local people more influence over the places they call home.
However, turning these ambitions into reality will require more than legislation and funding. The evidence from our research and international practice is clear:
- Local capacity and expertise matter. Communities need skilled place managers, town centre partnerships, and effective local governance structures to make full use of these new powers. Without investment in professional place management, there is a risk that opportunities could be missed or unevenly distributed.
- Partnerships are essential. Success will depend on collaboration between councils, businesses, community groups, and residents. IPM’s work has shown that where genuine partnership structures exist - such as town boards, BIDs, and place partnerships – local action is more inclusive, strategic, and sustainable.
- Pride in Place must be long-term. Restoring pride cannot be achieved through short-term projects alone. The Government’s commitment to funding is welcome, but this must be matched by sustained expert support for the skills, structures, and establishing the networks that underpin place management and leadership.
That is why we are calling on Government not only to devolve powers and funding, but also to invest in the training and professional support communities will need to use them effectively. A model such as the Neighbourhood Planning support by the previous Government is one to consider.
IPM stands ready to work with Government, local authorities, and community organisations to ensure that the Pride in Place programme builds lasting capacity in towns and cities, professionalises place management as a career pathway, and gives communities the tools to deliver meaningful renewal.
As the professional body for place management, IPM will continue to champion evidence-based practice, support the training and development of those leading change in their communities, and share lessons from across the UK and internationally.
Media note: Speaking on BBC World at One today, Professor Cathy Parker, Professor of Place Management at Manchester Metropolitan University, said:
“A commitment of £2 million a year over ten years for 330 places has real potential to make town centres and high streets relevant again. We know from our research commissioned that when you invest in place partnerships who know their areas, real change can happen.
But the key now is pairing this funding and these new powers with training and support. We cannot expect local businesses and communities to succeed without the right skills and expertise.
Injecting new life into town centres isn’t just about retail - the horse has already bolted on the out-of-town and online shift. It’s about providing the things people can’t get elsewhere: education, health, culture, and the essential services that communities need. None of this happens without local place leadership. Not political leadership, but leadership that comes directly from the town itself - from people rooted in their community. That is what excites me about this fund: it talks about places and communities, and recognises the importance of building social infrastructure.
It’s a long journey, but it’s possible.”
If you are interested in commissioning IPM and our network of experts to support your place through this programme, please contact Ian Harvey at ipm@mmu.ac.uk.
About the author
Formed in 2006, the Institute of Place Management is the international professional body that supports people committed to developing, managing and making places better.