British Property Federation on investment zones – “new model to turbocharge regeneration of our town centres”

Melanie Leech, Chief Executive, British Property Federation

“The forthcoming Autumn statement is a critical moment for the Government to set out their strategy to stabilise the UK economy and public finances. It is also an opportunity to lay the framework for a long-term strategy to harness private sector investment to deliver economic and social benefit across the country.

“If the speculation around the future of investment zones is to be believed, and Michael Gove is looking to push plans for a series of “transformational” housing-led urban regeneration projects, then we are pleased that our calls for the development of a new model of Town Centre Investment Zones within that has been heard. These have the potential to turbocharge the regeneration of our town centres to drive localised economic growth, deliver new housing opportunity, and provide a retail/experience-led offer to encourage people back to our urban centres.

In advance of the statement we would urge the Chancellor to consider the benefit of this town centre model, where we know there is demonstrable support for the idea having spent the past twelve months working with a number of local authorities to develop the model.

“Now more than ever we need public and private sector working closely together, harnessing strong local leadership and partnership and planning flexibility to deliver development whilst protecting the environment and delivering stronger, healthier places. In our view as part of delivering this transformational urban renewal our proven model is too good an opportunity to miss.”