DCLG: "Grant Shapps: Multi-million package of support to revive the country’s high streets"

Link to DCLG web site

"Nearly 400 Town Teams are to win backing from a multi-million pound package of Government support to revive their high streets, and make them the beating hearts of their communities, Local Government Minister Grant Shapps announced.

"... The [earlier] chosen pilots have demonstrated a transformational vision for their high street and strong support from the local community, and a wide range of local partners to make it a reality. The lead partner clearly articulated this vision and demonstrated strong support from the local community, and a wide range of local partners.

"The pilots also demonstrated:

• strong leadership - pilots areas clearly articulated and delivered a transformational vision for their high street
• commitment - demonstrated maximum commitment to the Town Team approach amongst retailers, landlords, the local authority and the local community or community groups.
• potential for improvement - clear articulation of the problems and challenges, including proposing solutions that would bring real change to their high street.
• innovation - set out the most innovative ideas that would have maximum impact and can be replicated elsewhere.

"The Mayor of London, recognising how this initiative complements his extensive efforts to regenerate the capital's high streets, is joining forces with the Department for Communities and Local Government to invest £300,000 to fund three additional London pilots.

"The pilots will be selected by the Mayor this summer following a bidding process designed to attract the best ideas that will deliver jobs and growth to some of they city's high streets and town centres most affected by the economic downturn and underinvestment."