Creative Improvement Districts

Research Paper

Partners

University of Manchester

Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Author

Trevor MacFarlane

Alanna Reid

Description

This report introduces the concept of Creative Improvement Districts (CIDs) - a new place-based regeneration model developed in Greater Manchester to harness the power of culture, creativity and the night-time economy in revitalising local areas. Commissioned by the University of Manchester and authored by Culture Commons, the paper situates the CID model within the wider context of UK devolution, levelling up and cultural recovery policy, and examines how it could support inclusive, sustainable growth. Drawing on best-practice examples from across the UK, the paper explores how cultural infrastructure, planning policy and community engagement can combine to foster creative ecosystems that deliver social as well as economic value. It concludes with practical recommendations for local and combined authorities seeking to implement CIDs, calling for new forms of governance, evaluation and investment that embed culture at the heart of place-making and local democracy.

November 2022