A study, Distinctive Futures, has now been published by Yorkshire Forward as part of its Rural Capitals programme. This programme aims to support the development of sustainable rural towns in Yorkshire and the Humber and to ensure that the region’s rural capitals are vibrant places where people want to live, work, invest and visit.

The Rural Capitals programme builds on the achievements of the successful Renaissance Market Towns (RMT) programme which, through a long-term, capacity building approach built around local Town Teams, has done much to stimulate the regeneration of the region’s market towns. It focuses even more closely on creating the conditions for enterprise and economic growth in the region’s rural communities.

The research brief was to explore the emerging concept of ‘distinctiveness’ as a driver for economic growth and resilience, and to consider whether and how a ‘distinctive town’ approach might be promoted in the region.

The study reflects the brief requirement for scoping of the issues rather than an in-depth enquiry into all the aspects of themed distinctiveness. The report is underpinned by the breadth of research that it was possible to undertake in the study period. Bauman Lyons Architects, in partnership with Design Leeds (Leeds Metropolitan University), were appointed to carry out the study. The ensuing report is targeted at policy makers and decision takers, but will also be of relevance to community stakeholders in rural capitals across the region.

Click here to download the report.