This City in the Northern Quarter: a sustainable solution or a recipe for gentrification?
Manchester’s Northern Quarter, renowned for its independent spirit and vibrant culture, is the proposed location for the council’s latest This City housing development.
As the city council advances its ambitious plan to build 36,000 new homes by 2032, with 10,000 designated as affordable, a critical question emerges: can such a development deliver on its promise of sustainability and affordability while keeping local residents happy?
The development site, planned for a brownfield site off Newton Street surrounded by other new high-rises, will create 126 new rental units, with at least 20% set to match the Manchester Living Rent (MLR).
Following the announcement, Dominic Sagar – an architect who helped restore more than 150 historic buildings in the Northern Quarter – warned the area risks becoming a “ghetto for the well off”.
Gentrification concerns: who benefits?
The Northern Quarter has transformed in recent years, with rising rents and new businesses increasingly catering to affluent customers.
As Huck magazine observed, it isn’t a truly independent place anymore, but a premium location for those with significant capital.
NQ spoke with Kevin Boardman, an artist who has lived in the Northern Quarter for more than five years.
He noted the shift he had witnessed as a local resident: “I can’t say it will be good or bad. However, the new developments from a visual perspective seem too similar.
“I used to enjoy walking, seeing the architecture and interiors vary. Now these developments look like a cut, copy and paste idea.”
Regarding the price of developments like Postal Street, Boardman feared “long term residents may feel disengaged, particularly if prices go up.
“I’m concerned that this area, which is associated with creativity, music, and a retreat from the bustling high street, is shifting towards a culture focused on social status and growth,” he said.
Next door’s perspective:
Boardman’s view was shared by neighbours, including local landlord, Alistair Cannon.
Mr Cannon, who rents out a room in his apartment on Newton Street next to the development, said he was grappling with the pressures of rising costs, despite owning a property.
Speaking to NQ, he said: “Alongside rising interest rates, service charges for flats have also increased dramatically. For instance, in my modest two-bedroom flat, the combined cost of the mortgage and service charge is £1,200 per month.
“When bills and maintenance costs are factored in, it becomes clear why rental prices are high. The headline is that the cost of living in Manchester, particularly in the Northern Quarter, is very high.”
Alistair highlighted the challenges of balancing affordability with the realities of property ownership in the Northern Quarter: “This is likely why more people are being pushed out of the inner city to more affordable locations further afield. It’s also why I strongly support affordable housing schemes, such as the project in question.”
‘Potential to grow the local economy’
When asked about his thoughts on the commercial space below he said: “It’s hard to comment without knowing exactly what these new commercial spaces will be, but on the surface, I’m generally in favour of increasing commerce.
“This kind of development has the potential to grow the local economy and provide jobs for local people, which can have a positive impact overall.”
Alistair expressed hopes for a more sustainable housing future in the Northern Quarter: “I hope the Northern Quarter continues to develop while maintaining its creative edge.
“I’d love to see an expansion of green spaces and a significant decrease in emissions in the area.”
Northern Quota asked Manchester Ccity council for comment.