Our Growth and Performance Manager, Ben Hammond, and Digital Account Executive, Lydia Swallow, recently attended the ATCM Place Management Conference which took a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping UK town centres.
The big takeaway? Local government finance is in crisis, and without sustainable investment, our high streets will struggle to thrive. But it wasn’t all doom and gloom! There were also inspiring conversations about innovative solutions and the future of placemaking.
Here are the key insights Ben & Lydia brought back from the conference:
1. The Crisis in Local Government Finance
The UK is facing a local government funding crisis that threatens the vitality of our communities. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the UK ranks an alarming 30th out of 38 countries in local government investment—making it the worst-performing G7 nation.
This chronic underfunding isn’t just a statistic; it has real consequences. Town centres, already struggling to recover from the economic shock of the pandemic, are being starved of the resources they need to adapt and grow. From crumbling infrastructure to cuts in essential services, local authorities are being forced to do more with less, leaving high streets deserted, public spaces neglected, and communities without the support they rely on.
Without urgent action, the gap between thriving and struggling towns will only widen. The question is: how much longer can we afford to ignore the warning signs?
2. Understanding High Street Investment Post-COVID
Dr. Steven Norris from Lambert Smith Hampton highlighted the ‘perfect storm’ of challenges currently facing high streets which includes:
- Interest Rates: 4.5%
- Inflation: 3%
- UK Gross Debt: £2,720bn (101% of GDP)
- Online Sales: 26% (compared to just 1% in 2000)
- High Street Vacancies: 14%
- Retail Park Vacancies: 9%
- Shopping Centre Vacancies: 18%
Even though billions have been set aside for high street recovery, a lot of that money still hasn’t reached local areas. The big challenge now is making sure it actually gets spent where it’s needed.
3. Public Toilets and Visitor Experience
One surprisingly big issue that came up at the conference? Public toilets – or rather, the lack of them. It might not seem like a game-changer, but not having enough accessible toilets can put off up to 25% of visitors from town centres, especially older people and families with young kids. A simple fix here could make a huge difference in getting more people out and about, boosting footfall in the process.
4. Town Centre Re-Purposing and Redevelopment
The conversation also touched on how town centres are shifting away from just being shopping destinations. More and more, we’re seeing them evolve into spaces that serve the whole community, with things like:
- Green spaces for people to relax and unwind
- Cultural hubs bringing arts and entertainment to the heart of town
- Educational facilities offering new learning opportunities
- Mental health services providing much-needed support
- Community workshops that bring people together
These changes show that town centres aren’t just about retail anymore – they’re becoming more dynamic, welcoming, and resilient places for everyone.
5. Case Study: Falmouth’s Public Space WiFi Initiative
Falmouth provides an inspiring example of innovation in town centre management. Acknowledging the town’s financial challenges, local businesses, the council, and the Business Improvement District (BID) collaborated to provide free public WiFi. This initiative proved highly effective in increasing footfall.
Falmouth also conducted in-depth studies of high street dynamics, tracking spend patterns, heat mapping, and dwell times to better understand and optimise their public spaces. Their approach emphasised ‘community as capital value’ and the importance of fostering ‘pride of place.’
Read more about the initiative here.
Final Thoughts
The ATCM Place Management Conference underscored the urgent need for targeted investment and strategic redevelopment in UK town centres. While challenges remain, innovative approaches—like those seen in Falmouth—offer valuable lessons for other locations. The key takeaway? Community-driven, data-led initiatives are essential for creating sustainable and vibrant town centres in the years ahead.
Ben said in his opinion the success of these initiatives will depend not just on strategy but on genuine collaboration – local authorities, businesses, and residents must all have a seat at the table. Without that, even the best plans risk falling short of their full potential.