The Rentier City takes a geographical approach to arguing against the latest form of neoliberal conquest sweeping Manchester. Hinged on the concept of rentierism, something which writer Isaac Rose argues has been an undercurrent in the shaping of the city we see today, the book makes a wider warning about cities in the UK at large. Published by Repeater Books, the book makes its case by charting the Manchester story from the end of industrialisation to the present day, via historical examples of resistance, class struggle, racial equality, politically managed decline and Manchester’s obsession with memorialising certain aspects of its history.
Ardwick triumphs against the Monster – for now
Brunswick estate residents celebrate stay of execution as council planning committee resolves to inspect £450m Upper Brook Street development site
Skyscrapers are necessary for an ‘ambitious and outward’ looking Manchester, Bev Craig says
Council leader insists developers will add social value regardless of their high profits and promises to deliver affordable and social housing in the city, alongside allowing developers to ‘build the housing that the private sector market wants to build for people to live in’.
Housing campaigners say Trinity Islands development is “a clear signal it’s business as usual in Manchester.”
Danny Moran: Does the council’s Planning Committee do rehearsals?
Danny Moran investigates allegations that the Planning Committee of Manchester council have pre-planning meetings, which act as rehearsals for the next Planning Committee meetings where multi-million pound developments may be voted through. Guest article from About Manchester.
Can a GM Land Commission create a more equitable and sustainable development agenda?
Andy Burnham promised a Greater Manchester Land Commission in his manifesto. We talk to Neil McInroy, chair of the Liverpool Land Commission, to see what the process can offer GM, and report the latest developments on Burnham’s promise.
Survey respondents overwhelmingly oppose plans to develop Hough End Fields
The majority of people living near and using Hough End Fields, who took part in a survey, oppose the planned development of the park.
The privatisation of Manchester
As Manchester becomes increasingly gentrified and local communities are priced out, a new report on the city’s land use has found a pattern of privatisation and sell-offs – aided and abetted by its Labour council.
Democratic approach to managing public land called for in open letter to Burnham
Campaigners call for Andy Burnham to uphold his election manifesto promise and introduce a Land Commission in Greater Manchester, following the example set by the Liverpool city region.
The Salford Star, reporting with ‘attitude & love’ for 15 years, is closing
‘I can think of only two local newspapers that consistently hold power to account: the West Highland Free Press and the Salford Star’ said journalist and author George Monbiot. The Salford Star is to close after the elections in May. Judith Suckling talks to Stephen Kingston, the journalism powerhouse behind the Star, on its rise and fall.
‘Shudehill Shard’ monies should pay for social housing level rented homes, says Sir Richard Leese
Responding to a call from Piccadilly councillors, Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese said it would be ‘entirely appropriate’ to use money made from the sale of land to build the infamous ‘Shudehill Shard’ for building social housing level rent homes in the ward.