Dr Steven Norris and Paul Shuker from our Planning, Development and Regeneration team will join a consortium of professional bodies, experts, data providers and community networks charged with delivering an £8.6 million contract to breathe new life into England’s struggling town centres.

Announced in the 2018 autumn Budget alongside a £675m Future High Streets Fund, the High Streets Task Force is being led by the Institute of Place Management (IPM) who will draw together the requisite expertise, knowledge and training to help reinvent town centres as community hubs.

This is a key part of the Government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda for the High Street, which identifies the need for hands-on support to help local authorities plan for future town centres, particularly those in the regions.

Steve Norris, National Head of Planning, Development and Regeneration, commented:

“Town centres and high streets are at the heart of our communities. However, changes in consumer behaviour underpinned by advances in technology and, most recently, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have accelerated their challenges. As we emerge from this crisis, we have a perfect opportunity to rebuild the broken relationship between the high street and our communities and it’s encouraging to see the Government reemphasise its pledge to level up the UK economy.

“Lambert Smith Hampton is passionate about repurposing and regenerating our town centres so that they can thrive once again and our appointment to the High Streets Task Force will enable us to utilise our knowledge and expertise to help effect positive change on a national scale.”