Two experts from Manchester Metropolitan University have been appointed to a new Government advisory panel set up to shape the future of the UK’s high streets.
Ian Harvey, Head of the Institute of Place Management, and Dr Lucy Montague, Senior Lecturer at the Manchester School of Architecture, will join a select panel advising the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on the development of a forthcoming High Street Strategy.
The Government has committed to publishing a national strategy to support the regeneration of high streets and to equip local authorities with tools to drive long-term renewal. As part of this work, a small group of external experts has been brought together to provide independent advice and scrutiny over the coming months.
The panel brings together specialists from industry, local government and academia, spanning planning, design, retail, hospitality and the creative industries.
Harvey leads Manchester Met’s Institute of Place Management, a centre focused on improving the vitality and sustainability of high streets and town centres. The Institute, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this month, already works closely with Government and industry bodies to deliver evidence-based interventions across the UK.
Ian Harvey said: “High streets remain central to the social and economic life of communities, but their challenges are complex and cannot be solved by local authorities alone. This advisory group is an important opportunity to ensure that national policy is grounded in evidence and reflects what we know works in practice.
“I’m looking forward to bringing that experience into discussions and helping shape a strategy that supports long-term, sustainable change.”
Dr Lucy Montague is a leading researcher on the future of UK high streets whose work has helped shape national policy on the future of town centres in recent years.
Following on from her three-year project Tales from the High Street, the largest study of UK high streets to date, she co-authored the book High Street: How Our Town Centres Can Bounce Back from the Retail Crisis and served as the Special Advisor to the House of Lords Built Environment Select Committee’s inquiry into the future of high streets.
Dr Montague said: “As the government develops its High Street Strategy, I’m pleased to contribute to this important work. High streets remain high on the political agenda and at this point in their evolution there in an important opportunity for policy to enable and expedite diversification beyond retail.
“By creating reliable footfall and strengthening civic life, this can help establish the conditions for further transformation and create locally responsive, adaptable and resilient town centres.”
The advisory group will provide recommendations to Government, helping to inform ministerial decision-making as the High Street Strategy is developed.
The group will work closely with organisations such as the Institute of Place Management to connect Government with broader sector expertise, including retail and hospitality leaders.
The appointments of both experts reinforce the University’s position as a leading voice in high streets and town centres.