@powertochange.org.uk
We are the think-do tank that backs community business. We turn bold ideas into action so communities have the power to change what matters to them.
@powertochange.org.ukThank you for the love! Sadly, that link is broken. Did you mean to link to our briefing paper on the civic high street? 😊https://www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and-ideas/research-and-reports/briefing-the-civic-high-street/
@coopcouncils.bsky.socialReposted by @powertochange.org.ukIt was great to see @powertochange.org.uk, one of our valued CCIN Affiliate Members, at The Labour Party Conference this year.
Their session on community‑led regeneration, repurposing empty and historic buildings, and strengthening local businesses and culture was a real highlight.
@powertochange.org.ukIn the meantime, join the LinkedIn group to share inspiration, ideas, or challenges: www.linkedin.com/groups/42479...
@powertochange.org.ukYou can still join us in #Sunderland with Back on the Map on 22 October, in #Hastings with Hastings Commons on 10 November, or in Westminster on 4 November: www.powertochange.org.uk/events/
@powertochange.org.ukGreat day in Bristol yesterday for the Civic High Street Collective study visit to Sparks! The 1st of 3 to community businesses refusing the inevitability of shuttered shops & decline. Instead, giving local people a say & turning vacant spaces into arts & culture/public service/community/housing.
@powertochange.org.ukThe Civic High Street Collective has a new look 🎉 Join our LinkedIn community to share inspiration, learn from others and discover examples from mixed-use civic high streets across the country 👉 www.linkedin.com/groups/42479014/
@right-here.orgReposted by @powertochange.org.ukAs politicians chat in the Labour Party Conference rooms far from the communities they serve, we brought the two worlds closer together through the Community Power Bus. 🚌 Community spaces are essential infrastructure, not optional extras. The next stop for devolution has got to be community power.
@uclpolicylab.bsky.socialReposted by @powertochange.org.ukThen rounding off with a rousing discussion on Power and Place with @powertochange.org.uk. Come hear from the Rt. Hon. Angela Rayner MP. Followed by an in conversation with @roswynnejones.bsky.social and Liam Kelly from Make CIC on how to put power in the hands of communities.
@gavinfreeguard.comReposted by @powertochange.org.ukWhat's next for communities policy? ask @powertochange.org.uk, Coop Party, Park Street Partners of @nickplumb.bsky.social @joplatt.bsky.social @florenceeshalomi.bsky.social, Fin Irwin
Lots on empowerment, doing with & not to communities; Nick on devo agenda needing to go the final mile to postcodes
@powertochange.org.uk4/4 📍 Hastings | 10 Nov
Hosted by Hastings Commons, explore one of the UK's most inspiring examples of community-led regeneration.
Register your interest for a study visit: buff.ly/GXTGWd9
@powertochange.org.uk3/4 📍 Sunderland | 22 Oct Hosted by Back on the Map in Hendon, Sunderland. Learn from local leaders and discover practical approaches to community-led regeneration and thriving town centres.
@powertochange.org.uk2/4 📍 Bristol | 30 Sept
Hosted by Artspace Lifespace, this visit explores how culture, heritage, housing and local services can help create vibrant, community-focused high streets.
buff.ly/GXTGWd9
@powertochange.org.ukWant to see the civic high street in action? 👀 This autumn, the Civic High Street Collective is hosting study visits in Bristol, Sunderland and Hastings. Join us to explore inspiring examples of community-led high streets and connect with peers. 🧵👇
@powertochange.org.uk5 practical steps for govt to unlock a resilient high street that goes beyond retail:
1️⃣ Tackle vacancy through new ownership models
2️⃣ Support councils to use existing powers
3️⃣ Improve data transparency
4️⃣ Reform meanwhile-use
5️⃣ Help communities move from temporary to long-term use 👇️
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@powertochange.org.ukCommunities with the power to shape their places are what creates resilient #highstreets and connected communities that can flex and respond to challenges.
Join us at Party Conferences 2026 to explore how communities can play a bigger role in shaping places, public services & local economies👇
@powertochange.org.uk📣 Heading to #LabourPartyConference?
Join us for A symbol of a British renaissance: the civic high street.
Delighted that Leigh Ingham MP will be joining the panel alongside Chris Curtis MP, Laura Onita (FT), Jo Cooper (Back on the Map), chaired by @jesscraig.bsky.social 👇️ buff.ly/oS3VrwF
@powertochange.org.ukHow we talk about our high streets is changing.
There's growing recognition that retail alone cannot save our town centres, but that civic-led high streets can foster the connection and community we need.
More in September's newsletter, including ways to get involved.
@powertochange.org.ukToday, the PM is championing community power in an announcement of nearly £30m of funding for People’s Power projects.
More on this from @nickplumb.bsky.social 👇
@powertochange.org.ukLearn from organisations leading community-powered regeneration on the ground. Join one of our three study visits in collaboration with the Royal Society of Arts. You could visit:
🏬 Artspace Lifespace in Bristol
🏬 Back on the Map in Sunderland
🏬 Hastings Commons in Hastings
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@powertochange.org.ukThe #CommunityRighttoBuy showed what's possible when communities, campaigners and policymakers work together. So what's next for communities policy?
Join us at #LabourPartyConference to discuss the next big ambition for community power.
📅 27 Sept, 4-5pm
