“I’m not a quiet, retiree type… I’ve run thousands of miles on this field. It’s a beautiful space” Phil says. “I have used this field a massive amount. I have walked my dogs and brought my kids here for years. They are going to take it away. Somebody should shout about it.”
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.
‘We’re going to stay here for as long as it takes’ – Ryebank Fields camp occupiers demand a development rethink
Setting up a protest camp in Ryebank Fields, campaigners are calling for Manchester Metropolitan University to rethink their plans to sell the land for development. The camp occupiers call for community control of the land to use as a recreational green space and a haven for wildlife.
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.
Are council deals with developers offering best value? Research paper questions development policy and calls for greater transparency
New research paper investigating the sale of public land in Manchester to property developers, questions whether the public are getting value for money in these deals.
Authors highlight lack of available information on development deals and call for a Land Commission. Manchester City Council responds.
Manchester council pledges to protect children in care from Brexit immigration changes
Manchester councillors and human rights advocates warn of ‘a new Windrush generation’, unless councils across Greater Manchester follow suit in identifying young people in care affected by the immigration changes and provide the necessary support to apply for settlement status.
Council approves new Climate and Environment Scrutiny Committee
In response to Climate Emergency Manchester’s 1760-signature petition, Manchester City Council has voted to approve a new scrutiny committee devoted to tackling the climate emergency.
Manchester ‘off the pace’ in reducing emissions, say climate scientists, as council claims progress
Manchester city council’s Executive Committee met yesterday to review the Council’s 2020-25 Climate Change Action plan. The Tyndall Centre, Manchester, told The Meteor that it was likely Manchester was ‘off the pace in terms of year-on-year reductions’ in carbon emissions.
Piccadilly Gardens redevelopment must challenge inequalities
Manchester Central Foodbank’s Matthew Stallard looks at the city’s inequalities in plain view in Piccadilly Gardens and points the way to a redevelopment to address them.
Have your say on Manchester’s statues and monuments – do they do the city justice?
There are five days left of the public consultation into Manchester’s monuments, statues and other public realm adornments. Katy Preen takes a look at what makes a monument and what matters in our public spaces and reports on the Manchester Histories public event to discuss the issues.