On the town

Capital values of properties can be increased by enhancement and effective management of the immediate local area, delegates to the World Congress on Downtown and Town Centre Management in New York were told in September.
Businesses in the UK are recognising this potential as they vote to introduce local management schemes in which all invest annually. 60 Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have been established since legislation was introduced three years ago in England and Wales and some 200 others are under development.

BIDs are delivering added value services such as cleansing and security, as well as undertaking innovative promotional and marketing campaigns for the areas concerned. Some are investing in upgrades to the street environment and others are financing transport or parking upgrades. The agenda is set in each location by the businesses who are investing in the initiative.

The rapid pace of BID development in the UK has been possible because many are arising from existing Town Centre Management partnerships. More than 650 centres in the UK have these voluntary public-private partnerships in place with a notable track record of success. The move to a BID involves far more businesses in each location; some have more than 1,000 contributors, and substantially increases the finance available for investment.

BID development in the UK was led by the Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM), who today provide the National BIDs Advisory Service and a website full of information for those who want to know where BIDs operate, how they are established, details of the legislation and examples of good practice.

Key to the success of a BID and a Town Centre Management partnership is finding the right people to run it and ensuring those working in the field have all the skills needed to get the most out of the finance available. ATCM has worked alongside Manchester Metropolitan University Business School over the last three years to gain a detailed understanding of what skills, training and development are required.

Earlier in 2007, the first Introductory Diploma in Place Management programme was run with dual recognition from the Chartered Management Institute and the newly formed Institute of Place Management. This 45 hour programme is aimed at those in their first two years of work in the field. 20 practitioners successfully secured their awards. October sees the start of the first ever Masters programme designed for place management professionals starting at Manchester Metropolitan University, which is aimed at experienced practitioners looking to take their knowledge and skills to new levels.

It is a two year part-time programme covering key aspects of management, marketing and place development. Early in 2008, the University of the Arts London will be starting a Masters programme focused on place-making and urban regeneration.

The Institute of Place Management is also supporting the development of CPD programmes for those working in BIDs, Town Centre Management and other place management areas in order to ensure that skills and knowledge are kept current. As well as courses and training offered by organisations such as ATCM, the Institute also offers an extensive library of research and good practice to its members. Membership of the Institute, which has an international remit, is open to all, but those working in the field can secure professional status at one of four levels.

The development of BIDs and continued spread of town centre partnerships supported by a qualified profession, fully aware of opportunities and good practice from across the world, will do much to enhance capital values for investors in areas where they operate.

For further information, visit: www.atcm.org
www.placemanagement.org
www.ukbids.org