Member Article

Altrincham secures £150k high street regeneration award

A North West town has become one of seven to receive a share of a £1m High Street Renewal Award.

Altrincham has secured almost £150,000 after being recognised for its innovative approach to regeneration in its high street by lowering parking charges.

Local Growth Minister Mark Prisk announced the awards on Saturday, and said the seven recipient towns are an example to communities across the country of what can be achieved on their local high streets.

Mr Prisk commented: “The High Street Renewal Award has encouraged towns to ‘up their game’ and put their best ideas to work in order to save their high streets, and we were delighted to see the high level of applications from all over the country.

“These are just seven of the many towns that came forward, and they are a shining example of what can be achieved. I would like to congratulate them for the innovative and interesting ways in which they have given their high street a new lease of life.

“It is in everyone’s interests to see our town centres thrive, and I want people across the country to take inspiration from these towns and look at what can be done when communities work together.”

The towns were chosen for their innovative ideas and promotional activity by a panel of experts, including Martin Blackwell from the Association of Town and City Management and Andy Godfrey from Alliance Boots.

Other recipient towns of the funding included Rotherham, Gloucester, Market Rasen, Ipswich, Southampton and Herne Hill.

Altrincham Forward secured £148,057 to further boost the town’s regeneration, while Trafford Council will support a group of community and business leaders in helping the town centre to further its regeneration.

The task force has exemplified how public and private sector partnerships can revitalised retail areas and bring empty shops back into use.

Martin Blackwell, chief executive of the Association of Town & City Management, said: “The public recognises that High Streets are important and are responding with their feet, purses and wallets.

“Some really interesting ideas have emerged from this competition that all town centres can learn from and take heart from. I have no doubt that they will do just that.”

Alex Gourlay, Chief Executive of the Health and Beauty Division at Alliance Boots, said: “Boots UK strongly supports the pursuit of creating healthy and prosperous high streets which can be essential, if not the most critical, ingredient in supporting the regeneration of local communities.

“High streets are vital for the health of our communities, providing services and support that are accessible and within easy walking distance for many people.

“We are proud to have supported this competition, and to be working with others also committed to the future of our high streets and ensuring their growth and success in years to come.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .