Why sign up

Sign up for a unique package of ‘done for you’ solutions to make the most of this key trading period.

Within 1 week, you’ll get a lot. From detailed personalised reports about your target markets, competition, key differentiators and offerings to high impact new content and a full marketing plan to maximise sales over the coming months.   

You’ll also have access to an expert (who has experience building their own high street business) as well as huge discounts if you want to outsource anything in your new marketing plan. 

This is all available in November 2023 at an 80% discount to make high quality and high impact marketing work affordable for everyone trading from a high street, market or shopping centre.

Sign up today for £469 one-off (a discount of more than 80% from £2,600).

What you get

We will deliver solutions that:

• Identify the ideal target markets for your business
• Lay out the competitive differentiators of your business
• Define the unique offer that addresses your target market and write new content to make sure it’s compelling across your key marketing channels 
• Produce a marketing strategy to attract your target customers
• Create a personalised four-week campaign plan to achieve your most important goals

Your target market report:

In your target market report, you’ll get…

• Business concept and goals
• Market sector, key trends, opportunities and challenges
• Concept fit, strengths and risks 
• Target market, demographics, psychographics and behaviours
• Competitive target market assessment
• Target market segments
• Local market fit and viability
• Your online market

Here’s a snapshot of how we’ll break down your target customer segments…

Your competitor analysis report:

In your competitor analysis report, you’ll get…

• Evaluation of your business against competitive benchmark criteria
• A comparative analysis of your local independent competitors
• A comparative analysis of your local chain competitors
• A comparative analysis of your online competitors
• Ranking of your competitors
• Your competitive differentiators

Here’s a snapshot of how we’ll rank your competitors after analysing each of them…

Your unique offer report:

In your unique offer report, you’ll get…

• Definition of your unique value proposition
• Definition of your unique selling points
• Content for your online brand messaging for

• • Website “About Us” content 
  • Website “What Sets Us Apart” content 
  • Google Business Profile bio content 
  • Social media bios content

Here’s a snapshot of the copy we’ll write to communicate your unique offer…

Your marketing strategy:

In your marketing strategy, you’ll get…

• Define marketing goals
• Assess and prioritise relevant market methods such as:

• • Influencer Campaigns
  • In-store Events and Workshops
  • Loyalty Programs
  • Targeted Social Media Advertising
  • Personalised Email Campaigns
  • Collaborations with Local Businesses
  • Optimisation with Data Analytics
• Define marketing budget
• Measuring Your Marketing Performance

• • Campaign goals
  • Marketing Tracking Systems
  • The Importance of Return on Investment (ROI)

Here’s a snapshot summary of how we’ll build a marketing strategy for you…

Your marketing campaign plan:

In your marketing campaign plan you’ll get…

• Your campaign types:

• • Target customer
  • Campaign KPIs
  • Marketing goals
  • Marketing channels
• A four-week campaign plan across marketing channels

Here’s a snapshot of how we’ll build a marketing campaign plan for you…

All of this is available at a huge discount in November to help local independent businesses in the U.K. make the most of this key trading period. 

Sign up today for £469 one-off (a discount of more than 80% from £2,600).

What’s involved

Once you sign up, you’ll immediately be sent a link to a short survey about you and your business.

Once you complete this survey, we’ll set up a personalised planner for you and start implementing your marketing solutions right away. 

We work intensively and typically have deliverables for all the solutions including your personalised campaign plan ready for you to see within 5 business days. 

If we need any further information from you in this period we will be in touch and always focused on only what we need to get the job done to a high standard while saving you time. 

You’ll then have access to x2 booked calls with an expert Success Manager who has experience building their own business on the high street as well as supporting others like you. Together, you can review your new campaign plan and the deliverables on which it is based, defining practical action steps to achieve your marketing goals. 

More help is available later for everyone on this unique solutions package, always to a high standard and at a big discount to what’s available anywhere else. 

We deliver all this through JO, the first end-to-end support platform for high street businesses. JO exists to make it quicker, cheaper and easier to build successful businesses on the high street.

We’ve helped thousands of local businesses on high streets across the U.K, and this is just the beginning. We believe in a future of diverse thriving high streets led by local independents with the support they need to achieve their potential.

‘We’ve gone from strength to strength in spite of the huge challenges. So much has changed here and my sales have multiplied.’ – Kitchen Croxley

‘This has been a game-changer. They’ve given our business a fresh perspective with their accountability and top-notch advice.’ – Fixio

‘My experience has been transformational. Their team genuinely cares about my success, providing invaluable support.’ – The Homecrafters

The post Boost your marketing impact within 1 week, at an 80% discount! first appeared on Savethehighstreet.org.

The introduction of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act represents a significant legislative shift with direct implications for property ownership and management on our nation’s high streets and town centres. This Act has been crafted with the intention of countering the trend of retail vacancies and decline in foot traffic, which have increasingly affected the vibrancy and economic health of these urban areas.

Central to the Act is a series of measures that empower local authorities to take decisive action to stimulate regeneration and reoccupation. For landlords, this signifies a new landscape of responsibilities and opportunities. The Act aims to transform high streets and town centres into bustling hubs of commerce and community engagement through strategic interventions. These include the designation of key areas for economic development, the facilitation of property occupation, and the fostering of an environment conducive to both business growth and community cohesion.

The role of the property owner is pivotal in this transformation. Understanding the Act’s nuances will be instrumental in navigating the future of property management and contributing to the collective prosperity of our high streets.

Further details below.  Contact partners@savethehighstreet.org for more information on how the Act, the Vacancy Partnership and new solutions for landlords. 

Background of the Act

The enactment of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act is a response to the social and economic challenges facing our high streets and town centres. In recent years, we have witnessed a marked increase in vacant properties and a downturn in local commerce, a trend accelerated by the rise of online shopping and changes in consumer behaviour. These shifts have not only diminished the economic vitality of these areas but have also eroded their social fabric.

The traditional role of high streets as bustling centres of trade and community life has been under threat, leading to an urgent need for revitalisation. Economic stagnation in these areas has had a ripple effect, impacting local employment, reducing business rates revenue, and leading to a decline in property values. Socially, the diminishing attractiveness of high streets has weakened community ties and led to underutilised public spaces.

This legislative approach seeks to reverse these trends by empowering local authorities with tools to actively promote and manage the redevelopment of high streets. For landlords, the Act opens up new engagement with local councils and the community, presenting both challenges to adapt to regulatory changes and opportunities to capitalise on potential growth.

Key Provisions of the Act

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation designed to address the current challenges facing our high streets and town centres. To summarise, the Act enables local authorities to:

• Designate certain streets and areas as essential for economic and community development, prioritising them for strategic intervention and support.
• Establish the ‘vacancy condition’ for properties, allowing intervention when premises remain unoccupied for a specified duration, thus combating long-term vacancy.
• Facilitate the reoccupation of properties by implementing a structured letting process, including rental auctions to match vacant properties with viable businesses.

For landlords, the implications of this Act are significant and multifaceted. Key provisions that directly affect you include:

• Requirement for Landlord Consent: You are required to seek consent from local authorities before entering into new tenancy agreements once a property has been identified under the vacancy condition.
• Participation in Rental Auctions: Should your property meet the vacancy condition, you may be called upon to participate in rental auctions organised by the local authority, which could influence the selection of tenants and rental terms.
• Compliance with Designation Criteria: If your property falls within a designated high street or town centre, there will be specific criteria for the types of businesses that can occupy the space, focusing on those that enhance the area’s vibrancy and economic activity.
• Appeal Process: The Act provides a clear appeal process should you contest a designation or decision made under its authority, ensuring your rights are protected.

Understanding these components is crucial as you navigate the new regulatory landscape. The Act’s provisions present both the necessity to align with community and economic objectives and the opportunity to benefit from the revitalisation initiatives that these changes are expected to bring.

New Responsibilities for Landlords

With the enactment of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act, the role high street and town centre landlords is subject to new responsibilities. The Act imposes a duty to work with local authorities to address the issue of vacant premises, a critical factor in the economic and social health of these areas.

Key responsibilities:

• Compliance with Vacancy Condition: If a property is deemed unoccupied under the Act’s ‘vacancy condition,’ the owner is obliged to collaborate with local authorities to find suitable tenants within set timeframes.
• Engagement in Rental Auctions: In certain cases, the owner may be required to participate in rental auctions organised by the local authority, aimed at finding tenants who will contribute positively to the high street’s economic revival.
• Consent for Letting: During the notice period specified by the Act, you must obtain consent from the local authority before entering into new tenancy agreements, ensuring the property’s use aligns with the strategic goals of the Act.
• Adherence to High-Street Use: You must ensure that any new tenancy aligns with the designated high-street use, a measure to maintain the commercial diversity and vibrancy of the area.

Importance of Compliance:

Compliance is not just a legal obligation; it’s a commitment to the collective effort to rejuvenate shared commercial spaces. Adhering to the Act’s requirements signifies dedication to fostering a thriving, economically robust high street.

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

Failure to comply with these stipulations can lead to significant consequences. These may include void tenancy agreements, penalties, and potential legal action. Non-compliance can also hinder the progress of broader revitalisation efforts, impacting the collective value and reputation of the high street.

As we navigate these changes, it is imperative to understand the weight of these new responsibilities and the critical nature of compliance. Working in tandem with local authorities and adhering to the Act’s provisions will not only contribute to the revitalisation of our high streets but also safeguard and potentially enhance the value of investments in high street property.

Opportunities Presented by the Act

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act, while introducing new responsibilities, also opens up benefits and opportunities for property owners. The Act’s focus on reviving high streets and town centres can significantly enhance the commercial viability and attractiveness of these areas, directly impacting value and profitability of property assets.

Potential Benefits and Opportunities:

• Increased Property Values: The Act’s initiatives aimed at reducing vacancies and enhancing area appeal can lead to an appreciation in property values, augmenting your real estate portfolio’s worth.
• Attracting Quality Tenants: The structured letting process, including rental auctions, increases the likelihood of attracting stable, quality tenants committed to long-term success in the community.
• Enhanced Rental Income: With the revitalisation of high streets, demand for prime locations can increase, potentially leading to higher rental income and more favourable lease terms.
• Investment Incentives: Local authorities may offer grants or incentives for property improvements, facilitating upgrades at reduced costs and improving the desirability of your premises.

Proactive Engagement for Advantageous Outcomes:

Proactive engagement with the Act’s processes is key to realising these benefits. By collaborating closely with local authorities, you can influence decisions that directly affect your properties. Participating in community planning and development discussions can provide insights into future trends, allowing you to position your properties strategically.

Moreover, embracing the vision of revitalised high streets and actively contributing to their transformation can bolster your reputation as a forward-thinking, community-oriented property owner. This reputation can translate into tangible economic advantages as tenants and consumers alike are drawn to businesses that demonstrate a commitment to community and economic development.

In summary, the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act presents an opportunity to not only contribute positively to the community but also to strengthen the financial robustness of your property investments. 

Challenges and Concerns

The Act, while presenting a progressive framework for urban redevelopment, introduces challenges for landlords. Foremost among these is the adaptation to the stringent regulations surrounding the letting process, which may require a change in management strategies to remain compliant.

A significant concern is the restriction on entering new tenancy agreements during notice periods without local authority consent, which may affect timely leasing of vacant properties. This limitation, aimed at ensuring tenancies contribute to the high street’s economic resurgence, could potentially delay income generation from your assets.

The implementation of the vacancy condition also introduces the challenge of increased scrutiny over property occupation. Landlords must be vigilant in monitoring and reporting occupancy status to avoid penalties for non-compliance, adding to the administrative burden.

Moreover, the Act’s emphasis on designated high-street uses restricts the type of tenants you can engage, which might limit the scope of potential leasing opportunities. This could be particularly challenging if the current market trends or your property portfolio do not align with these designated uses.

From the landlord community, there are concerns regarding the potential for increased operational costs, especially if properties require significant investment to meet the high-street use criteria or to attract tenants through rental auctions.

To mitigate these challenges, it is advisable to establish a proactive and collaborative relationship with local authorities. Engaging in open dialogue can provide clarity on the Act’s requirements and foster a partnership approach to high street revitalisation. Staying informed about any available support, such as grants for property improvements, can also alleviate financial pressures.

Understanding and anticipating these challenges will be critical in adjusting to the new landscape shaped by the Act. By doing so, you can position yourself not only to meet your legal obligations but to take advantage of the opportunities for growth and enhancement of your property assets.

Strategies for Landlords

Aligning with the objectives of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act is imperative for landlords. Here are strategic approaches you can adopt to ensure compliance while enhancing the value of your properties:

Strategic Alignment with High-Street Uses:

Review your property portfolio and consider adjustments to align with the Act’s focus on high-street uses. Proactively repositioning your properties to attract retail, dining, and service-oriented businesses can increase their desirability and value.

Embrace Collaborative Partnerships:

Forge partnerships with local businesses, community groups, and local authorities. Such collaborations can lead to shared visions and initiatives that not only comply with the Act but also add vibrancy and value to your properties.

Invest in Property Upgrades:

Consider investing in improvements that make your properties more attractive to potential tenants and customers. Upgrades that enhance curb appeal, energy efficiency, and functionality can justify higher rents and attract long-term, high-quality tenants.

Utilise Available Incentives:

Stay informed about any financial incentives or support programs offered by local authorities for property development and use these to offset the costs of aligning with the Act’s objectives.

Active Participation in Local Development Plans:

Get involved in local urban planning processes to understand future development plans. This insight can inform strategic decisions about property development and positioning in the market.

Adopt a Proactive Marketing Approach:

Market your properties effectively, highlighting their alignment with the Act’s objectives and their contribution to the high street’s revival. A strong marketing strategy can place your properties at the forefront of desirable locations for businesses.

By adopting these strategies, you can leverage the Act not as a regulatory hurdle, but as an opportunity to enhance the value and profitability of your properties. The Act’s objectives can serve as a roadmap for strategic investment and development, positioning your properties as key players in the economic and social revitalisation of our urban centres.

Case Studies and Examples

The following hypothetical scenarios illustrate the impact of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act on landlords:

Scenario One: Enhanced Tenancy Quality

Imagine you own a series of retail spaces on a once-thriving high street that’s experienced an increase in vacancies. Under the Act, your local authority initiates a rental auction to fill these vacancies with quality tenants. As a result, a mix of boutique shops, cafes, and a community art space win the auction. These new businesses attract foot traffic, revitalise the street, and in turn, increase the desirability of your properties. Compliance with the Act leads to enhanced tenancy quality and potentially higher rents due to the increased demand for space in a rejuvenated area.

Scenario Two: Diversification of Property Use

You are the landlord of a large, vacant property that previously housed a department store. The local council, using powers granted by the Act, designates your property as part of a high street regeneration project. With guidance and possible financial incentives from the council, you invest in remodelling the space into a multi-use complex including retail units, co-working spaces, and leisure facilities. This diversification aligns with the Act’s objectives, attracts a broad customer base, and increases your property’s value.

Scenario Three: Collaborative Development

In another scenario, you collaborate with local authorities to convert a group of underutilised properties into a residential and retail hub, in line with the Act’s vision. This partnership results in a mixed-use development that meets community needs and aligns with the high street’s character, significantly raising your property’s long-term revenue potential.

Each of these scenarios underscores the Act’s transformative potential when landlords engage proactively with its provisions. By embracing the opportunities presented, you can contribute to and benefit from the sustainable revitalisation of our high streets.

Conclusion

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act ushers in a new era of responsibility and opportunity for property owners. Key takeaways include the necessity to adapt to enhanced regulatory frameworks, particularly regarding property vacancy and the alignment of tenancy with the Act’s objectives. The Act stipulates landlord engagement in rental auctions and imposes a structured process for tenancy agreements, underscoring the need for active participation in the revitalisation process.

For landlords, compliance is not merely a legal requisite but a chance to capitalise on the economic uplift of regenerated areas. By embracing the Act’s vision, you can elevate the commercial viability of your properties, enhance their value, and contribute to the sustainability of high streets.

Looking ahead, the Act enhances the potential to redefine our high streets and town centres. It promises a collaborative journey towards rejuvenation, with landlords playing a critical role. By aligning with the Act’s provisions, you can be at the forefront of shaping vibrant, economically robust, and community-focused urban landscapes. The future of our high streets and town centres is poised for transformation, and as landlords, you hold a pivotal role in steering this positive change.

Contact partners@savethehighstreet.org for more information on how the Act, the Vacancy Partnership and new solutions for landlords. 

The post Decoding the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023: A Landlord’s Guide first appeared on Savethehighstreet.org.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act marks a significant legislative milestone aimed at addressing the complex challenges faced by high streets and town centres across the nation. Part 10 of the Act – Letting by local authorities of vacant high-street premises – empowers local authorities with new tools and responsibilities to transform essential urban spaces, with the objective of stimulating economic growth, enhancing community engagement, and preserving the unique character of each place.

The Act lays down a legal framework for local councils to designate areas as high streets or town centres, based on economic significance and potential for community benefit. It also outlines the criteria for identifying qualifying premises for high-street use, addresses vacancy conditions, and sets out the process for letting these properties to ensure their return to active use.

The purpose of this article is to explore the implications of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act for local authorities. It explores the operational, economic, and strategic impacts of the Act, providing a thorough analysis of the responsibilities it places on local councils, the challenges it may present, and the opportunities it undoubtedly creates. This discourse aims to offer insight into how local authorities can effectively navigate and implement the provisions of the Act, transforming policy into practical outcomes for the rejuvenation of high streets and the bolstering of town centres as thriving hubs of commerce and community.

Further details below.  Contact partners@savethehighstreet.org for more information, or to arrange a call regarding this or other high street interventions.

Context and Background

High streets and town centres have long been the economic and social cornerstones of communities across the nation. They are not just commercial transaction points but also serve as cultural and social gathering spaces that reflect the community’s identity and values. Economically, they contribute significantly to local employment and the wider economy, while socially, they foster community cohesion and serve as venues for public discourse and interaction.

However, the traditional high street faces unprecedented challenges. The advent of online shopping, changing consumer habits, and out-of-town retail parks have significantly reduced footfall, leading to an increase in vacant properties and a decline in vibrancy that once characterised these hubs. Economically, this shift has impacted local employment, local government revenue, and local investment. Socially, the erosion of these communal spaces has undermined community engagement, local cultural expression, and social capital.

These challenges have not only economic implications but also profound social consequences. The decline of high streets and town centres can lead to a ‘doughnut effect’, where the core of a town becomes hollowed out as economic and social activities are displaced to the periphery. This undermines the historical role of the high street as a bustling centre of activity and community life.

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act in part was introduced as a legislative response to this complex issue. Recognising that vibrant high streets are crucial to economic recovery and social wellbeing; the Act provides local authorities with the legislative backing to proactively manage and reverse the decline. It is an acknowledgment of the need for intervention and a strategic approach to revitalisation, equipping local authorities with the means to stimulate investment, encourage enterprise, and restore the high street’s role at the heart of community life.

Overview of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act includes several key provisions designed to empower local authorities in rejuvenating their high streets and town centres. One central element of the Act is the power granted to local councils to designate certain streets and areas as crucial for economic development, specifically those with a concentration of retail, dining, and communal services that draw consumer traffic and foster community interaction.

The Act introduces the concept of the ‘vacancy condition,’ a state that a property must meet to be considered for intervention. This condition is defined by properties being unoccupied for a certain period, signalling a need for action to prevent further decline. Once this condition is met, local authorities are authorised to serve a ‘final letting notice,’ which imposes specific obligations on property owners to either seek tenants or allow the local authority to conduct a rental auction.

Additionally, the Act sets out the criteria for what constitutes ‘high-street use’—a range of commercial activities including shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues that are vital for generating footfall and economic activity. Local authorities have the power to enforce these uses, ensuring that properties contribute positively to the local economy.

The Act also outlines the appeal process for landlords who may disagree with the decisions made under its provisions, providing a balanced approach to property management and local governance. This ensures that while local authorities have significant powers to influence and shape the high street landscape, they must also consider the rights and interests of property owners.

Under the Act, local authorities are further empowered to maintain a public register of all designated high streets and town centres, enhancing transparency and accountability. They are charged with ensuring that these designations are kept up to date and reflect the changing dynamics of the local economy.

Moreover, the Act assigns local councils the responsibility to engage with communities and stakeholders in the development of strategies and plans for high street revitalisation. This collaborative approach is intended to create a shared vision for the future of these vital urban areas.

In summary, the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act provides local authorities with a robust framework for addressing the challenges faced by high streets and town centres. By granting them powers to designate, intervene, and enforce, the Act creates a mechanism for local councils to lead the transformation of these spaces, turning them into thriving centres of commerce and community once again.

Designation Powers and Responsibilities

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act enables local authorities to designate certain streets and areas as high streets and town centres for the purposes of the Act – spaces that are fundamental to economic and social prosperity. This process is pivotal, as it determines which localities will receive focused attention and resources for revitalisation efforts.

Designation begins with a thorough assessment of the street or area in question. Local authorities must consider a variety of factors, such as the current density of retail and service-based businesses, the potential for economic growth, and the area’s accessibility to the public. The concentration of high-street uses – a mix of shops, services, dining, and entertainment options – is also a critical metric, as these are the activities that traditionally drive foot traffic and create vibrant community spaces.

In addition to economic indicators, local authorities must consider the built environment’s configuration. The layout should ideally support a network of pedestrian-friendly streets that enhance the consumer experience and facilitate social interaction. The character and historical significance of the area may also influence the decision, ensuring that the unique identity and heritage of the locality are preserved and celebrated.

Strategically, the designation process requires local authorities to project future needs and trends, taking into account shifting consumer behaviours and the potential impact of digital commerce. They must also engage with community stakeholders – residents, business owners, and property owners – to garner insights and support for the proposed designations. This collaborative approach helps to align the strategic objectives of the Act with the aspirations and needs of the community.

Ultimately, the designation process is a balancing act of economic foresight, urban planning, community engagement, and regulatory insight. Local authorities are tasked with crafting a vision for their high streets and town centres that is not only sustainable and economically sound but also culturally rich and socially inclusive. The strategic considerations taken into account today will lay the groundwork for the thriving high streets of tomorrow.

Economic Implications for Local Authorities

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act offers a strategic framework for reinvigorating high streets and town centres. By facilitating the designation and subsequent management of these areas, the Act has the potential to stimulate a range of economic benefits.

One of the primary economic influences of the Act is its potential to increase property values. By reducing vacancies and enhancing the appeal of high streets through targeted initiatives, the Act can create a more dynamic market, which in turn can attract investment and stimulate the property sector. Enhanced property values not only benefit individual landlords but can also augment the overall wealth of the community and increase the revenue generated through business rates.

Moreover, the Act can serve as a catalyst for local business growth. With the introduction of new businesses into previously vacant premises, job creation and local employment is likely to increase. This influx of commerce and the accompanying rise in employment can boost local economies, increasing the disposable income circulating within the community and generating a virtuous cycle of economic activity.

The revitalisation efforts encouraged by the Act can also have a broader regenerative effect. A bustling high street can draw in both local shoppers and visitors from further afield, expanding the customer base for businesses and fostering an environment ripe for entrepreneurship and innovation. As high streets become more attractive, they also become more competitive, prompting existing businesses to innovate and improve their offerings, further driving economic growth and resilience.

Operational Implications

The enactment of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act necessitates a re-evaluation and modification of operational procedures for local authorities. This legislation introduces new duties and powers, requiring local councils to adapt their current practices to effectively manage and implement the Act’s provisions.

One significant procedural change is the systematic approach to identifying and designating high streets and town centres. This requires the development of new protocols for economic analysis, community consultation, and urban planning. Local authorities must establish clear criteria for designations, based on the Act, and create transparent processes for managing these designations over time.

The Act also necessitates enhanced coordination among various departments within local authorities. Economic development units, planning departments, and regulatory compliance teams must work in concert to ensure seamless operationalisation of the Act. This inter-departmental collaboration is crucial for the effective assessment of high streets, the administration of rental auctions, and the enforcement of the Act’s regulations.

Resource allocation becomes a central concern as local authorities must ensure that adequate staffing, funding, and technological resources are in place to support the additional workload. Investment in staff training, public engagement platforms, and data management systems will be essential to handle the complexities of the Act.

Adapting to these changes, local authorities will benefit from a culture of agility and cross-functional collaboration. The successful implementation of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act hinges on these operational shifts, enabling local councils to turn legislative intent into transformative urban progress.

Community Engagement and Public Relations

Local authorities’ role extends beyond administrative implementation to active community engagement and strategic public relations. Their capacity to harness public support and participation is crucial to the success of revitalisation efforts.

Engagement with the community should be multifaceted and continuous. It must be initiated early in the process to gauge public sentiment, identify local needs, and cultivate community buy-in. Methods such as public forums, surveys, and workshops allow local authorities to collect valuable insights and foster a sense of ownership among community members.

For effective public relations, local authorities should maintain clear, open lines of communication. Regular updates on progress, challenges, and successes keep the community informed and involved. Leveraging local media, social platforms, and direct outreach campaigns can amplify the message and engage a broader audience.

Strategically, local authorities can foster public support by highlighting the Act’s potential benefits, such as economic growth, improved property values, and enhanced community spaces. Showcasing success stories and quick wins can build momentum and demonstrate the positive impact of the Act.

Furthermore, local authorities should identify and collaborate with community champions—individuals and businesses who can advocate for the high street’s potential and galvanise their peers. Such partnerships can lead to stronger community relations and increased public engagement.

Ultimately, the role of local authorities in community engagement and public relations is about building trust, demonstrating efficacy, and ensuring that the revitalisation process is inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the community’s aspirations.

Challenges and Considerations

Local authorities may encounter several challenges in implementing the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act, ranging from logistical hurdles to stakeholder resistance. A primary challenge is ensuring inter-departmental collaboration; the Act requires input from planning, economic development, and regulatory enforcement departments. Another significant challenge is balancing the diverse interests of stakeholders, including property owners, business operators, and community members, whose priorities may not always align with the Act’s objectives.

Additionally, the limited resources of local authorities pose a practical challenge. The Act demands extensive research, management of rental auctions, and continuous monitoring of designated areas, all of which require adequate staffing and funding. The complexity of the legal framework surrounding property rights and tenancy laws presents another layer of difficulty, necessitating a high level of legal expertise.

To overcome these challenges, local authorities can prioritise the establishment of cross-functional teams dedicated to implementing the Act, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared objectives. Engaging external stakeholders through clear communication and involving them in decision-making processes can also alleviate resistance and encourage cooperation.

Addressing resource constraints may require a strategic allocation of existing resources, seeking additional funding where possible, and perhaps most importantly, leveraging technology to streamline processes. Ensuring staff have access to training and legal expertise is essential for navigating the complexities of property and tenancy laws effectively.

“Prevention is better than cure, but anything that helps town centres to progress with filling empty units is welcomed. One challenge will be in the practical aspects of the investment needed to get them up to scratch, if they have been empty for some time. I will be studying the white paper and working closely with our councillors to start a dialogue with the owners of premises which have been vacant and neglected, some for as long as thirty years. If they can be encouraged to start refurbishing without triggering the enforcement powers that would be preferable. But the powers given under this Act should be useful against intransigent landlords.” Joe Cahill, High Street Champion, Ilkeston Derbyshire

Case Studies and Examples

As local authorities begin to implement the Act, various hypothetical scenarios could illustrate the Act’s potential. For instance, a local council might identify a town centre street that, while historically a bustling marketplace, has seen an increase in long-term vacancies. The council, applying its new powers under the Act, designates this street as a high street, setting the stage for transformation.

In this scenario, the local authority could employ a public-private partnership model to incentivise property owners to upgrade and fill vacant shops. They might launch a ‘High Street Challenge Fund,’ inviting local businesses to propose innovative uses for empty spaces, with winning ideas receiving seed funding. Through this initiative, the area could soon see a mix of artisanal boutiques, tech start-ups, and community arts spaces, each adding vibrancy and attracting foot traffic.

Aligning economic incentives with community-driven visions for the high street is important for the success of these initiatives. This approach not only encourages investment but also ensures that development is rooted in the local context and culture.

Another example might involve a local authority using the Act’s provisions to address a town centre blighted by a prominent, empty department store building. The council could facilitate a rental auction, resulting in the building’s conversion into a multi-use space with a food hall, co-working areas, and a rooftop garden, driven by community preferences gathered through outreach campaigns.

A key lesson learned here is the value of adaptive reuse of large vacant properties, turning potential liabilities into assets that serve multiple community needs, catalysing further investment. It also highlights the effectiveness of engaging with the community early and often, ensuring that redevelopment truly reflects local desires and needs.

As these hypothetical examples suggest, the implementation of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act by local authorities can lead to innovative, community-focused urban renewal. Success is likely driven by strategic collaboration, community engagement, and flexible, data-driven approaches, setting a precedent for best practices in urban economic development.

Conclusion

In summary, the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act represents a transformative legislative tool for local authorities, enabling a structured approach to reinvigorate high streets and town centres. It grants local councils the power to designate vital economic areas, addresses the issue of long-term vacancies through the ‘vacancy condition’, and facilitates the occupation of properties with high-street uses that are beneficial to the community.

The Act empowers local authorities to lead a collaborative transformation process, involving careful planning, community engagement, and strategic resource management. It also underscores the need for local councils to navigate the potential challenges of implementation, such as ensuring cross-departmental coordination, managing stakeholder interests, and overcoming resource limitations.

The transformative potential of the Act for local authorities and communities is considerable. It opens opportunities for economic development, enhances property values, supports local businesses, and fosters community pride. Through proactive implementation and the adoption of emerging best practices, local authorities are positioned to engender meaningful change, ensuring that high streets and town centres can thrive as vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic spaces at the heart of their communities. The Act’s success hinges on the commitment to turn its strategic vision into a lived reality, promising a brighter future for high streets across the nation.

Contact partners@savethehighstreet.org for more information, or to arrange a call regarding this or other high street interventions.

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