Anchor Towns

In this paper we advocate that a limited number of suitable towns be developed in a new concept: anchor towns.

Anchor towns have particular potential in the south Wales valleys but we see scope to roll-out the concept across Wales. They can help to build an inclusive and fair economy from which everyone can benefit. They have a critical role as counterweights to regional imbalances, the consequences of which are all too evident in the inequalities that exist between people and places.

The defining features of an anchor town are:

• A sizeable population within fifteen-minute travel times
• Strong local transport networks
• Growth potential
• Key anchor institutions
• Diverse consumer and business services
• Core public services

Intrinsic to the concept is their ability to benefit the communities around them. They have the potential to be beacons of collaborative and collective action by local actors to deliver fair, sustainable and inclusive economies and tap into the productive potential of these places.

Report format: PDF
Language: English
Page:  19
Cost:  Free

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