Read about turnaround towns in new report

A new report published by the Carnegie UK Trust highlights key lessons on towns and their development across the UK and Ireland.

The 'Turnaround Towns' report by Jane-Frances Kelly sets out the stories of eight towns from around the world, from Duluth in Minnesota to Newcastle in New South Wales, that have experienced difficult times but have made significant transformations.

‘Turnaround towns’ refer to cases where a town had previously fallen on difficult times, but where improvement resulted from deliberate efforts to address local challenges. These include energising local economies to encouraging a sense of local place, identity and social connections – and they have succeeded in building towns that are lively and dynamic places to live, work and visit.

Douglas White, Head of Advocacy at the Trust, said:

"Two-thirds of us live in small and medium-sized towns. Given that the places where we live have such a significant impact on our wellbeing, the health of our towns is of critical importance."

The research builds on previous practical work the trust has undertaken, including the innovative Test Town programme.

You can download the Turnaround Towns report on the Carnegie UK Trust website.

Take part in Twin Towns UK

The Carnegie UK Trust are currently accepting applications from towns who want to take part in their innovative project Twin Towns UK. The initiative will pair towns across the UK with similar characteristics or socio-economic challenges, to consider how to make positive change happen in their communities.

You can apply until 25 November 2016.

Find out more about the project and how to apply.