Campaign launched to highlight 'High Street Positives'
A new initiative has been launched to help bring positive stories about places to more readers. The ‘High Street Positives’ newsletter is authored by IPM Member, Laura Harris, and builds on her own personal work to counter negative narratives about high streets.
Alongside the newsletter, High Street Positives is conducting a survey in conjunction with Find Out Now, to reveal trends about national sentiment around high streets. The Newsletter quotes some early findings about media coverage of our towns and cities;
- 44% say media coverage of the high street is negative.
- Only 17% find it positive.
- 39% see it as neutral or are unsure.
Changing national narratives
Writing about the current sentiment towards high streets and the challenge it poses, Laura Harris says:
"The national narrative around the High Street is overwhelmingly negative. Whilst challenges exist, there are countless positive developments, town regenerations, new retail, thriving indies, resilient existing shops, community initiatives, pop-ups, and innovative businesses to name a few."
"High Streets are incredible community hubs, playing vital roles at different stages of our lives, helping to combat loneliness and isolation."
"This (High Streets Positives) initiative aims to spotlight and amplify positive stories about the High Street, balancing the narrative. A more positive outlook can encourage footfall, investment, creativity, and innovation. Supporting #HighStreetPositives means championing safe, vibrant spaces that help combat isolation and loneliness. Let’s help shift the focus to bright spots and growth potential."
Join the High Streets Positives movement (subscribe)
You can now read the first High Street Positives newsletter which contains a digest of upbeat stories and trends relevant for all those in the place sector.
Laura is looking for more people to join this movement, tuning into good news stories and changing the national narrative on the potential for towns and cities.
If you'd like to receive the newsletter regularly, you can subscribe here.
About the author
Formed in 2006, the Institute of Place Management is the international professional body that supports people committed to developing, managing and making places better.