We’re thrilled to announce that Make LCR is one of five organisations nationally chosen to take part in Community-Led High Street Innovators, a new initiative led by Power to Change. This project supports community businesses working to breathe new life into high streets and town centres across England — and we’re honoured to be part of it.
At Make, working with and for our local communities has never been an afterthought — it’s been at the heart of everything we do since day one. Whether it’s supporting local makers, creating space for grassroots ideas, or collaborating on place-based regeneration, we believe that communities should be at the centre of shaping the places they live and work in.
The programme’s first study visit was to Make Hamilton this week where the collective of Highstreet Innovators gathered to tour the building and area to see the work of the Leftbank Collective.
Why This Matters
We know that the high street is more than just bricks and mortar — it’s where people gather, share, trade, create, and connect. But for too long, local voices have been sidelined in decisions about these spaces. This project is a chance to shift that balance.
As part of the Community-Led High Street Innovators, we’ll be working alongside other amazing organisations — Artspace Lifespace (Bristol), Dewsbury Arcade Group (Dewsbury), Madlab (Stockport), and Southmead Development Trust (Bristol) — to explore new models for high street renewal, led by communities themselves.
Here in Birkenhead, our work will focus on supporting and growing the Leftbank Collective and the Argyle Creative Quarter — two vital, creative, and collaborative community-led initiatives that are helping to reimagine what the future of our town centre can look like. These projects reflect the power of local talent, grassroots energy, and collective action — and we’re excited to see how they can help shape a more inclusive, creative and resilient high street.
What We’ll be Working Towards
“This is about putting power back in the hands of communities. Leftbank and Argyle Creative Quarter show what’s possible when local people have the tools and the space to lead change. We’re proud to be part of a national network testing how these models can shape the future of town centres — not just in Birkenhead, but across the country.”
— Liam Kelly, CEO, Make CIC
We’ll be testing practical solutions that could become models for regeneration everywhere — from tackling vacant properties to promoting cultural placemaking that’s rooted in community, not extraction. Over the next 12 months, this work will feed into national conversations about the future of our high streets, helping to shape policy and share what works about existing and new legislation.
Looking Ahead
This isn’t just a project — it’s part of a much bigger shift in how we reimagine our town centres. We’re excited to roll up our sleeves and get started, to learn, share, and demonstrate what’s possible when communities lead.
We’ll be sharing updates as the work develops — so watch this space.
To find out more about the Community-Led High Street Innovators programme, visit Power to Change.
