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Banbury Property Consultant appointed to advise nationally on High Street transformation
06/10/2020
Neil Wild will mentor communities and local government to help them get the best from their high streets
The government commissioned organisation tasked with helping transform local high streets has appointed a local property expert as a mentor. Neil Wild of Wild Property Consultancy will now work with the High Streets Task Force to help communities and local government get the best from their high streets.
The High Streets Task Force was commissioned by the government in 2019. The organisation is an alliance of place making experts working to redefine the high street. They provide guidance, tools and skills to help communities, partnerships and local government.
Neil Wild is a Chartered Surveyor, a Member of the Institute of Place Management and Director of Wild Property Consultancy. Commenting on his appointment Mr Wild said, “It is a privilege to have been appointed to the High Streets Task Force. I am looking forward to being part of this national effort and supporting local authorities and communities to transform their high streets.”
Town centre and high street revitalisation remains a key issue with changing shopping habits and the recent effects of lockdowns and local restrictions.
Mr Wild said, “The work I shall be doing in this role will complement the property consultancy work I am already implementing for property owners and businesses who have a commitment to high street investment and success.
“Town centres are vital not just for our local economic recovery but they provide a focal point for a community to come together, socialise and support one another. A healthy town centre is essential for our social well being”,
Within the scheme Task Force Mentors advise on a range of issues, including planning, urban design, placemaking, landscape architecture, resilience, transport, valuation, asset management, investment, governance, data and analytics, place management and leadership.
Mr Wild was a part of the Flashop team appointed by Cherwell District Council between 2014 and 2018 – which was key to the town’s place as a finalist in the Great British High Streets Awards of 2016. As part of that project the Flashop ‘pop up shop’ initiative was created with great success in a number of Oxfordshire towns including Wantage, Wallingford and Banbury.
Mr Wild said, “I have come over time to learn that the success and vibrancy of our town and city centres is very dependent on those who hold the power locally. Those bodies must work collaboratively to engage the local community to implement the appropriate measures to reinvigorate a place.
“I will use my role on the Task Force to provide insight and help facilitate this collaboration, thus making a positive difference to high streets wherever I am appointed.”
Mr Wild will continue with his work as Director of Wild Property Consultancy and will take on specific appointments by the High Streets Task Force acting as a Mentor and Facilitator to local authorities and other town and city centre stakeholders.
You can listen to our interview with Neil Wild here:
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam