Agora (Greek for market place) project aims to reverse the trend to so-called clone towns by sharing innovative practice and training for retailers, town centre managers and other people with a stake in the future of their shopping area.

Havant has been chosen as one of eight UK High Streets to benefit from the E.U. funded project managed by Manchester Metropolitan University’s Business School.

The AGORA project, which aims to transform struggling retail centres into bustling market places, is an 18-month programme of events, measures and training by retail experts from both the University’s Retail Enterprise Network’s (REN) and the Association of Town Centre Management.

The Agora project intends to share innovative practice and training with retailers, town centre managers and other people with a stake in the future Havant shopping area.
Key aims of the project
Empower local communities to manage their district centre following sustainable social enterprise models.
To develop innovative models of place management that ensure local people have a vital input into the regeneration of their centres.

Key objectives
To measure and build understanding of place management with specific reference to the role of social enterprise.
To develop and support pilot communities that will test out alternative social enterprise approaches to place management in retail focussed areas.
To augment and support existing training and education infrastructures to deliver training and qualifications relevant to the needs of those involved in place management.
To construct a pan-European network, linking policy and practitioner audiences interested in the social, economic and environmental health of towns and cities.

Benefits of the Project
A unique opportunity to learn from and share experiences and initiatives with other retail districts in the UK.
Free access to training products aimed at small retailers and developed through the Retail Enterprise Network.
Access to key resources for example, best practice guides from the Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM).
Access to information, including key facts and figures relating to the economic profile of your district and information from partners such as the Department of Trade and Industry.
Expertise from ATCM, REN and their partners such as SkillSmart Retail Ltd. Expertise and information provided will cover many relevant topics.
Support for the AGORA pilots to become credible town centre management functions, with a brand image, promotional literature and office support.