A parliamentary group has launched an inquiry into how markets can drive regeneration in UK towns, following a visit to Barnsley Market that showcased its role in economic renewal and community health initiatives.
The All-Party Parliamentary Markets Group heard a presentation from David Catterall, Chief Executive of NABMA, on a report examining the extent to which markets are being used within regeneration schemes. The document highlighted their contribution to economic growth, social value, town centre vitality and long-term place-making outcomes.
Report forms basis of inquiry
Presented at the June meeting of the APPMG, the report builds on six months of work by NABMA, including engagement with officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, collaboration with the Institute of Place Management and analysis of regeneration funding programmes across the country.
Evidence gathered through the project showed significant public investment in regeneration schemes where markets have served as anchor institutions to stimulate economic activity, improve public spaces and increase town centre footfall.
Attendees from NABMA, the National Market Traders Federation and the Institute of Place Management 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.
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Barnsley as national case study
Parliamentarians and sector leaders recently visited Barnsley Market, identified as a national case study of market-led regeneration. The visit examined how the 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 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.
Health services on the high street
Members discussed the growing “Health on the High Street” movement, with Barnsley’s award-winning approach highlighted as a leading example of how markets can support health outcomes while simultaneously increasing footfall, occupancy and town centre activity. 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.
Attention was given to how town centres are becoming increasingly multifunctional destinations, combining retail, culture, leisure, public services, health provision and community activity. These venues 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.
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 this represents a significant opportunity to broaden the role of markets within future public policy.
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Strong partnership working emerged as a key message from the discussion. Continued collaboration between NABMA, sector bodies, parliamentarians, local authorities and government departments was recognised as essential if markets are to secure their place within future regeneration programmes and policy frameworks.
Julia Buckley MP, the APPMG Chair, confirmed that representations will be made directly to Ministers to ensure findings from the inquiry are considered as part of the Government’s ongoing work on high street renewal.
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.
