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.”
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.
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.
Protestors blast Manchester Metropolitan University for attempting to fence off Ryebank Fields
Manchester Metropolitan University workmen attempted to put up permanent fencing around Ryebank Fields yesterday morning allegedly because of the presence of “potentially hazardous material”. Protestors argue hazardous material is buried deep underground, and that MMU’s planned development and resulting disturbance of the land is the real cause for concern.
Co-living: a new housing model in a broken system
After several months of rejection huge co-living developments are now coming to Manchester. Is it a new form of community living or another extractive product in the city’s ongoing property boom?
With strong links to the city’s financialised student housing sector, is this the type of housing we should be building during Covid-19 and the ongoing housing crisis?