Halifax has been announced as one of the 100 towns across the UK to receive support from some of the UK’s biggest brands.
Business in the Community’s Healthy High Streets programme aims to increase footfall by 10%, reduce the number of vacant properties by 20% and stimulate the creation of new jobs in 100 towns over three years. The programme first launched in June 2014 and is backed by some of the UK’s biggest high street brands – Boots UK, EE, Exterion Media, Greggs, Marks & Spencer and Santander and new partner Wilko.
Halifax is one of 33 new High Streets selected for the programme across the UK after a successful application from Calderdale Council. This brings the total number of participating High Streets to 100 towns.
Being a Healthy High Street means that Halifax will receive a bespoke package of support, including access to skills and expertise, and dedicated High Street Champions from supporting businesses. These Champions will work together with Marketing Halifax, Calderdale Council and other relevant local partners to devise an action plan to address specific challenges facing the town, such as our plans for a Business Improvement District, and encouraging more visitors.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, Cllr Barry Collins, said:
“I’m delighted that Halifax has been chosen as one of only 33 additional towns to receive support and advice from business experts as part of the nationwide Healthy High Streets programme.
“This is another step forward in the regeneration of Halifax, and will complement a wide range of improvements in the town centre, such as the transformation of the Piece Hall, the Northgate retail site, the large number of transport improvements and many more planned developments. This really is an exciting time for Calderdale.”
The nationwide three year programme began in 2014, and the impact results will be announced in July 2017. Over the last year, the programme has brought support and resources worth £17 million* from its corporate partners into 67 UK high streets.
Commenting on the programme’s expansion, Robin Foale, Managing Director, Santander Universities UK, and chair of the Healthy High Streets programme said:
“Congratulations to Halifax on being chosen to be part of the Healthy High Streets programme. This is a great opportunity to work with the business partners and the local High Street Champions to transform your town and create a thriving, vibrant centre for the local community.”
Business in the Community’s Peter Donohoe said:
“One of the most powerful ways for business to make an impact in communities is by creating high streets that are vibrant places to live, work and do business. It has been heartening to see first-hand the practical difference that collaborative, business-led action can make on UK high streets over these past two years. While there is much to be proud of about our Healthy High Streets Programme we also know that there is more work to be done. We warmly welcome Wilko as programme partners and look forward to working with them to create lasting change.”
Business in the Community is a member of the Government’s Future High Streets Forum and supports the High Street Pledge. The pledge, which was launched on 7 July, is currently supported by over 40 of the UK’s leading businesses. They are committed to using the leadership expertise, skills and resources of their business to help UK high streets achieve their full potential.
To find out more about Business in the Community’s high streets work visit www.bitc.org.uk/healthyhighstreets(external link)