Rotheram launches independent Town Centres Commission

Steve Rotheram has launched an independent Town Centres Commission to ensure that Liverpool’s town centres have a prosperous and sustainable long-term future.

The Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said the commission, which will meet regularly until September 2020, will produce a final report setting out a vision for prosperous town centres in the Liverpool City Region, along with recommendations for how that can be achieved.

Made up of 13 individuals with experience across a broad range of sectors, the commission is independent and will be chaired by Sarah Longlands, director of IPPR North. IPPR North has also been commissioned by the Combined Authority to act as a secretariat for the commission.

The commission will use the following four policy areas as a core focus for its work: how do town centres support a sense of place and belonging in Liverpool City Region?; how can policy decisions on the environment, planning, and infrastructure best support our town centres?; how can town centres operate as a hub for business and civil society in the longer term?; and how can town centres manage change to play a role in the future?

Rotheram said: “There has been a renewed focus on towns following December’s general election – and with good reason. Our economy, both regionally and nationally, will not thrive unless success is shared between our cities and our towns. This is something I have been acutely aware of.

“When I was elected in 2017, I promised that no borough would be left behind. That’s why I established a £6 million fund to help revitalise high streets in every part of our region. It’s why I’ve helped our local councils in their efforts to regenerate town centres, such as the £15 million of support we’ve offered to Knowsley Council for Kirkby and it’s why I have established this commission. We are bringing together experts from a range of sectors to help us find sustainable solutions to the challenges we face. I want this commission to help us safeguard the future of our town centres to ensure that they remain at the heart of our communities for generations to come.”

Longlands said: “Historically, town centres have been important for local communities, offering people a place to shop, access services and to celebrate. They are more than just streets and shop fronts but often represent an area’s history and identity. At IPPR North we are delighted to welcome the establishment of the Liverpool City Region Town Centres Commission as a means to support the changing role of town centres now and in the future. For too long, town centres have been on the edge of the debate about the North’s economy, now is the time to listen to our communities and businesses and work with them to build a better future in the places that matter to them.”