Markets at the Heart of Britain’s High Street Future, Says APPMG
Markets are increasingly being recognised as critical assets in the regeneration of towns and cities across the UK, following the presentation of a major new report by David Catterall, Chief Executive of NABMA, to the All-Party Parliamentary Markets Group (APPMG). The report examined the extent to which markets are being used within regeneration schemes and highlighted their contribution to economic growth, social value, town centre vitality and long-term place-making outcomes.
Presented at the June meeting of the APPMG, the report forms the basis of a light-touch parliamentary inquiry designed to strengthen the evidence base demonstrating that markets are fundamental components of thriving town centres and sustainable communities. Attendees from NABMA, the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) and the Institute of Place Management (IPM) welcomed the findings and discussed how markets can play a central role within the Government’s emerging High Street Strategy and wider Pride in Place agenda.
The report builds on extensive work undertaken by NABMA over the past six months, including engagement with officials from MHCLG, collaboration with the Institute of Place Management and analysis of regeneration funding programmes across the country. Evidence gathered through the project has demonstrated significant levels of public investment in regeneration schemes where markets have been used as anchor institutions to stimulate economic activity, improve public spaces and increase town centre footfall.
A key theme emerging from the discussion was the changing nature of the high street. Members recognised that successful town centres are becoming increasingly multifunctional destinations, combining retail, culture, leisure, public services, health provision and community activity. Markets were identified as uniquely placed to support this transition because of their ability to attract diverse audiences, provide affordable business space and generate social value alongside economic benefits.
Attention was given to the growing “Health on the High Street” movement. The APPMG heard how market locations offer accessible and trusted environments where preventative healthcare services, public health campaigns, wellbeing programmes and community support initiatives can be delivered directly to residents. Barnsley’s award-winning approach was highlighted as a leading example of how markets can support health outcomes while simultaneously increasing footfall, occupancy and town centre activity.
The discussion also explored opportunities to engage Integrated Care Boards and investigate how health-related funding streams could support market-based health initiatives where measurable community outcomes can be demonstrated. Members agreed that this represents a significant opportunity to broaden the role of markets within future public policy.
To support the inquiry, parliamentarians and sector leaders recently undertook a visit to Barnsley Market Visit, which has been identified as a national case study of market-led regeneration. The visit examined how Barnsley Market and the wider Glass Works development have acted as catalysts for economic renewal, while also supporting health services, community engagement and local growth ambitions.
The APPMG has agreed that Barnsley will form a central part of a wider NABMA report examining how markets contribute to regeneration, public health, wellbeing and place-making objectives. Findings from the inquiry will be presented to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and shared with relevant Integrated Care Boards to help inform future policy development and explore funding opportunities.
The work sits alongside broader NABMA engagement with Government on the development of the High Street Strategy. Recent correspondence and meetings between NABMA and MHCLG officials have reinforced the case for markets to be recognised as essential components of future high street policy, particularly in relation to devolution, community wealth building, local growth and place leadership.
Julia Buckley MP, the APPMG Chair also confirmed that representations will be made directly to Ministers to ensure that the findings from the inquiry are considered as part of the Government’s ongoing work on high street renewal. Members welcomed this commitment and agreed that NABMA should continue to play a leading role in shaping national policy affecting markets and town centres.
Strong partnership working emerged as another key message from the discussion. Continued collaboration between NABMA, NMTF, IPM, parliamentarians, local authorities and government departments was recognised as essential if markets are to secure their rightful place within future regeneration programmes and policy frameworks.
Speaking after the meeting, David Catterall said:
“Markets are no longer simply places to shop. Across the country they are becoming catalysts for regeneration, engines of local economic growth, centres of community life and increasingly important locations for public services and wellbeing initiatives. The evidence we are gathering shows that where markets are invested in, communities benefit. This inquiry will help ensure that markets are recognised as a key part of the solution to the challenges facing our high streets and town centres.” The APPMG mini-inquiry will continue over the coming months, with NABMA reporting its findings and recommendations at a future meeting of the group and using the evidence gathered to influence the Government’s future High Street Strategy.
