Managing Cities Challenges and Issues Case Study: The impact of Urban Development Corporations in Manchester

Use the following web based resources / articles on the LRA to complete the worksheet: www.salford.gov.uk/living/regeneration.htm Manchester Online (LRA) The draw of the North (LRA) Trafford Park UDC (LRA) Salford Quays (LRA) Trafford Park UDC Background Information: location, when operated, aims, reason why set up
The government established Trafford Park Development Corporation (TPDC) in February 1987 with a brief to "secure the economic and physical regeneration of the Trafford Park Urban Development Area". The key aspect was to give local unemployed people the chance to compete for the jobs generated.

Consequences: Economic Positive 1,425 companies and a highly skilled workforce of around 45,800, reaffirming the areas reputation for dynamism, enterprise and industrial excellence. Attracting 1.75 billion of private sector investment and nearly 1,000 companies, Some 47.4km (29.4 miles) of new and upgraded highways have been completed, in addition to another 72.2 km (44.9 miles) of improved footpaths. Since 1992 Metrolink trams have been running through Castlefield on the viaduct once used by steam trains from Central Station, now GMEX. Main line trains use the older railway viaducts as they make their way into and out of Manchester. Generation of some 28,000 jobs. Stage the Commonwealth Games, against much scepticism in the south, and to build an imposing stadium, which could have been a cheaper version of Wembley. Development Corporation has supported 14,245 training places for local people. It concentrated its efforts on offering both new and existing companies training packages to encourage them to recruit from the pockets of high, long-term unemployment around the borders of the Trafford Park area. Manchester is managing to reinvent itself not only as a desirable place to live, but also as a centre for new business and enterprise, a relocation alternative with sufficient drive, energy and culture to satisfy people worn down by higher priced living and commuting in London and parts of the south-east. he clean-up created an urban heritage park and prompted umpteen developers either to convert old warehouses into loft apartments or build new waterside blocks. Negative

Social

Not so long ago, most Mancunians wouldn't want to live in Castlefield. Today most Mancunians couldn't afford to live there. Where men worked long hours loading and unloading barges full of coal and potatoes, today the young and affluent sit out in the sunshine sipping pints and cocktails. It would be nice to see more acknowledgement of the area's chequered history, though the tourist signs do a good job of telling us the historical facts. New apartment developments overlooking the water have tended to diminish the sense of light and space that is one of Castlefield's most precious features. And many new and recent buildings show an 'off the peg' approach to design.

Environmental

Values and Attitudes Government view UDC, originally championed by Michael Heseltine when he was Conservative environment secretary. A young Labour council, hard-left-turned-new-realist, welcomed the UDC initiative, which exploited the city's network of (largely obscured) canals.

Critics view It still has a long way to go: the legacy of King Cotton has left a housing crisis barely a mile from the centre, characterised by collapsing property markets and abandoned terraces which is only now being tackled in a concerted renewal initiative embracing both Manchester and Salford. Your personal view Salford Quays UDC Background Information: location, when operated, aims, reason why set up The Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company has brought together the City Council, Northwest Regional Development Agency and English Partnerships, alongside other regeneration partners and developers, to drive the transformation of Central Salford into a beautiful, vibrant and prosperous city. The success of Central Salford will contribute enormously to the economic wealth and profile of the city and the north west. At the heart of the process is a commitment to involving local communities in the process of change. The BBC's decision to relocate some of its key departments to Salford Quays and the creation of MediaCityUK is clear evidence of the regeneration. Consequences: Positive Negative Economic 1st phase of development includes a hotel, cinema, offices and housing. Lowry centre opened in 1999. Colourful building houses 2 theatres and several galleries. Completion of Metrolink tram connection to city centre in 1999. Social The docks now contain a water sports centre. Architects were commissioned to design a landmark cultural building to raise the profile of the area. Buoyant property market following the creation of 10000 jobs in the Quays over the past decade. Lower crime levels. Environmental Improvement in water quality.

Values and Attitudes Government view

Critics view

Your personal view

Exam practice question Use your research from the above activity to complete the following exam practice question: Q2c June 2005 (7 marks): With reference to a named inner urban area discuss whether its redevelopment in the last 20 years or so has been a good thing. Level 1 (1-3 marks) Simple knowledge of schemes with perhaps an implied or stated view. Alternatively detailed account of schemes with no view. Detailed account without clear reference to appropriate named inner city area e.g. generic or lacking in focus. Level 2 (4-5 marks) More refined knowledge with more explicit and measured statement about good thing or not. Some reference to appropriate named area. Level 3 (6-7 marks) Detailed knowledge of developments and issues with clear sense of coming to a view about good thing or not, clearly rooted in appropriate named area.