"It’s essential to note that infrastructure goes beyond just roads and rail. Successful regeneration must also incorporate a strong social infrastructure. Town centres are no longer just places to shop, but places to live, work and play simultaneously"
- Conor Leyden - LK Group
Northern towns have long been the backbone of the UK’s industrial heritage. Unfortunately, years of chronic underinvestment have seen many get left behind, and regeneration is essential if these areas are to thrive once again.
The Government’s latest Spending Review earmarked £113bn for energy, infrastructure and transport, with a focus on areas outside of London and the South East. It’s a long-overdue commitment, but funding alone isn’t enough. This investment must be deployed strategically, with a clear focus on where infrastructure can unlock lasting regeneration.
Regeneration is powerful and breathes new life into struggling towns, increasing financial footfall and encouraging prosperity for its residents. However, not every town is the right candidate for typical regeneration plans. Only those with the right infrastructure in place can truly reap the benefits.
The Government must recognise that infrastructure isn’t an afterthought, but the very foundation of regeneration. Without accessible, reliable transport networks, community facilities and public spaces that bring people together, many towns will continue to face significant barriers to progress.
If the latest funding is to make a real difference, the Government must translate this into delivery, not just policy promises. Local authorities need the resources and flexibility to build the transport and social infrastructure that will set towns up for long-term success.
Greater Manchester is setting the standard
Greater Manchester demonstrates a clear example of how local towns, supported by infrastructure, can flourish with regeneration efforts. It's not a coincidence that the county's most successful regeneration efforts have taken place in areas easily accessible via the Metrolink.
Altrincham, once a struggling high street, is now a thriving destination town. In 2025, it is home to a thriving retail, food and drink scene, and one of the successful regeneration efforts the UK has witnessed in decades.
Underpinning the entire strategy was the understanding and emphasis on the town’s strong transport connections. With a reliable Metrolink service, a rail station and bus station offering easy access to Manchester, Chester and Wales, and convenient links to the M56 motorway, Altrincham was ready to welcome crowds.
Now, residents have easy access to Manchester for general city life, while also benefiting from a bustling town centre on their doorstep, complete with independent shops, dining options, and leisure facilities. This has turned Altrincham into one of the North’s most desirable places to live and visit, benefiting local businesses and creating a cycle of ongoing investment.
Let’s learn from our successes
Greater Manchester knows what works for regeneration, hence why local authorities want to replicate the process. For example, Trafford Council is taking the learnings from Altrincham to a nearby town, Stretford.
The area is currently undergoing its own transformation, with a master plan focused on enhancing its retail, leisure, and community spaces. But much like Altrincham, its success is underpinned by its existing transport connections that make it accessible and attractive to residents and businesses alike.
Not every Northern town is so well-connected, and those offering poor public transport options will not benefit from regeneration efforts in the same way. This is simply because it is harder for residents and visitors to access what is being offered. Without investment in public transport networks, ample parking, clear signposting and pedestrian-friendly spaces, regeneration will not work.
Social infrastructure matters too
It’s essential to note that infrastructure goes beyond just roads and rail. Successful regeneration must also incorporate a strong social infrastructure. Town centres are no longer just places to shop, but places to live, work and play simultaneously.
Successful regeneration efforts go beyond transport links. Plans need to be meticulously crafted to offer a balance of residential, commercial, and leisure spaces. That’s what sets a destination town apart - it’s not just a place to pass through, but an end destination that facilitates socialising and collaboration.
True regeneration means creating spaces that are more than just functional. They must foster a sense of community. Town centres should offer green spaces, cultural venues, dining options, community hubs and more, creating a blend of uses that keep them active throughout the day and into the evening.
For example, Ashton’s redevelopment is being guided by this principle, transforming its famous outdoor market and creating a space that will become a hub for events and cultural activities, with new gardens, play areas, and a civic centre.
Investing in infrastructure for the future
To truly level up Northern towns, the Government must ensure that infrastructure investment is a fundamental part of the regeneration process. It has been widely shown how effective intervention, particularly in transport and social infrastructure, can unlock housing opportunities, boost local economies and create thriving communities.
The Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill has the potential to support this by cementing infrastructure planning as a core part of local development, and with billions of pounds of investment for infrastructure now outlined, the focus must shift to delivery and accountability. If the Government is serious about levelling up the North, it must follow through with robust, well-planned infrastructure.
Ultimately, regeneration will revitalise town centres, but only if infrastructure is prioritised from the outset. By placing infrastructure at the heart of town planning, the Government can help ensure that Northern towns reach their full potential, becoming dynamic hubs that positively impact the UK economy.
