Lifelong Learning on the High Street: exploring a capabilities approach to place-based cultural development in Kirklees

This article explores the relationship between cultural and community asset building and place-based development through the lens of a capabilities approach. Focusing on high street renewal in Kirklees, West Yorkshire, we examine how participatory cultural initiatives contribute to individual and collective capabilities, offer new infrastructures for lifelong learning and shape local cultural strategy building. Using three case studies, Creative Piazza Group, Cultures of _ and the Culture Collective, we evaluate how co-created cultural programmes and public realm projects can shape cultural assets to support wellbeing, civic agency and more sustainable forms of community-led place-based development. We conclude with a policy proposal for a locally situated Capabilities Framework, working in alignment with the Place Standard Tool, to enhance the strategic integration of culture in future town centre transformations, with a particular focus on lifelong learning on the high street.