The four questions faced by town team special advisors
This fascinating article helps crystallise the key challenges around regenerating rural service centres in 4 key points. Anyone struggling with such a challenge will find it really useful. It tells us in response to discussions at the latest Association of Town Managers Conference:
1) How can we make a £10,000 government grant go further (a recent grant off the back of the Portas pilots to many rural towns)? It is essential that this funding is not used as a one off but helps to pump prime longer term sustainability. Some of the ideas discussed have included: establishing membership schemes; providing sponsorship opportunities; grant applications and other fundraising streams; income generation schemes; crowdfunding; and, for the more established partnerships, developing a business improvement district.
2) How do we engage businesses with communities? One of the big problems with partnerships is getting people around the table. It is important that the group is representative of all people that use our town centres, not just retailers and business people. The people who choose to get involved are often members of several other groups and do not have the necessary time to commit to town team projects. We have held some interesting discussions around attracting new blood and creating excitement and ownership in our towns.
3) How do we structure town partnerships? Once partnerships are in place it is important that the right structures are created to enable the group to achieve its objectives and to grow. Proper structures also protect the members of town teams. In Halifax, our membership scheme became a company limited by guarantee, meaning we could take out insurance for our events. The ATCM is currently reviewing its guidance on governance.
4) Property ownership Many towns face a problem with vacant properties and have trouble contacting landlords who do not live locally. This problem was highlighted a few years back when the government granted local authorities the funding to tackle vacant properties. The ATCM has created a network of areas in receipt of high street innovation funding and will be bringing them together for a second time in January to share councils’ experiences in bringing old properties in the town centre back to life.