Innovation in local government is about improving the lives of the people in our
communities. Browse through our case studies to see the many innovative programmes councils are involved
in.
Stockton town centre is modern, successful and vibrant with impressive public spaces on a High Street with a rich heritage. Its riverside should be a focal point with accessible, flexible space for the Borough’s world-class events programme all year round. Building on the asset of the River Tees, Stockton Waterfront will provide a high quality setting for a modern town centre with a distinct sense of place that also safeguards sustainable traditional retail.
In 2018, East Suffolk Council took part in a placemaking programme to understand the public perception of Lowestoft and the priorities of businesses, stakeholders, and the community, and to tell the ‘story’ of Lowestoft through identifying the qualities that make the place.
Lowestoft has two Heritage Action Zones. Both schemes are working to secure lasting improvements to the historic environment and help breathe new life into the town’s shopping areas for the benefit of local communities and businesses.
Post-COVID 19 lockdown, Colchester Borough Council faced reduced use of its long-stay car parks and pressure for increased pedestrian and cycle access to the town centre. The solution was to enable a Park Active site for Colchester to encourage motorists to park in peripheral car parks more often and actively complete their journeys by walking or cycling. The approach is part of a national pilot programme being led by the BPA and supported by the UK Government.
The response to Covid has redefined partnership working across the Tyne. Newcastle City Council has worked closely with the North of Tyne Combined Authority and other local authorities.
Barnsley Council and its local partners were beginning the process of updating the economic strategy for the borough – with a focus on the inclusive economy – when the Coronavirus crisis began in early 2020.
Bradford Council has worked closely with public and private sector stakeholders, VCSE and local communities to develop practical plans and projects to make an immediate difference.
Cambridge city council did not have an economic development team in place at the onset of the pandemic. These functions had been led by the Combined Authority and Greater Cambridge Partnership – the delivery vehicle for the Cambridge City Deal.