The meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Civic Societies, on 25 February, launched a new guide showing how Civic Voice members are supporting regeneration in high streets across England.
Civic Voice writes:
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Civic Societies on 25 February launched a new guide showing how Civic Voice members are supporting regeneration in high streets across England. Jake Berry MP said: ‘The recent High Street Report, led by Sir John Timpson, is a welcome addition to thinking on the future of the high street, but more consideration is also needed about how communities can play a role in placemaking. I am pleased to see Civic Voice and the APPG for Civic Societies highlighting the work of communities and National Civic Day.’
The 6 case studies, gathered from Civic Voice members from across England, include:
- Barnes Community Association: The benefit of a charette approach to vision the future for the high street
- Bewdley Civic Society: Undertaking a Civic Conservation Audit to develop an action plan
- Southgate & District Civic Trust: Showcasing the town through a ‘pop-up’ shop and Civic Week of events
- Lancaster Civic Society: Teaming up with the BID to recognise the best shop fronts
- Nantwich Civic Society: Volunteers identifying issues and building partnerships
- The Wimbledon Society: A town vision by the community
The APPG for Civic Societies meeting provided a discussion for community groups and policy makers to consider, ‘How we can put communities at the heart of our high streets?’
Craig Mackinlay MP, Chair of the APPG for Civic Societies said: ‘We decided to invite the Minister, Jake Berry MP, to enable him to share further information on the Government’s Future High Street Fund, but to also give him the opportunity to hear how communities in different parts of England are making our high streets great places again.’
Writing in the new guide, Jake Berry MP and Craig Mackinlay MP said: ‘How can we save our town centres? Through making our high streets great places to visit again. National Civic Day is a chance for you to visit a market, coastal or city centre and to consider how it can be reinvented so it is back at the centre of community life.’
