Bold, Thoughtful Design Helps Rebuild Manchester, England

Manchester councilman Richard Leese and Jason Prior of EDAW recount the civic-design partnership that helped revive an old city.

1 minute read

December 7, 2005, 11:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


The glory days of Manchester, England's industrial past have long faded, and recent decades saw the city fall on hard times. Though many may have left Manchester for dead, a 1996 IRA bombing in the heart of the city had the unexpected effect of uniting and inspiring the city to rebuild and revitalize itself.

City leaders focused on the downtown core and provided political cover for the international planning firm EDAW to give the city a new heart -- one reliant on good design. In this exclusive interview, EDAW's Jason Prior and City Council Leader Richard Leese explain how inspired planning brought new life to an old city.

Tuesday, December 6, 2005 in The Planning Report

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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