High Streets Task Force makes coronavirus recovery move

The UK government backed High Streets Task Force has announced new training, advice and online resources for high streets in England, ahead of stores reopening from 15th June.

This follows on from the launch of the government’s £50 million Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.

It is open to local councils and all organisations involved with high streets and will include free access to online training programmes, webinars, data and intelligence on topics including recovery planning and coordination, public space and place marketing.

The move is part of the Task Force’s four-year programme which will focus on the transformation of town and city centres. The Task Force has also confirmed Mark Robinson, co-founder of Ellandi, as its Chair.

Robinson comments: “No-one underestimates the challenges to our town centres, but this long-term initiative, running until 2024, shows the government’s commitment to our towns and the transformation required. I look forward to making change happen.”

“The Task Force has already provided invaluable advice to town centre stakeholders in the current crisis and we will continue to build capacity, promoting best practice, led by research and evidenced by data. It will provide a rallying point for all of the people who care about our high streets and advocate the change that is needed.”