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When asked about his well-publicised
concerns over the draft Greater
Manchester Spatial Framework, he
stressed “I am no NIMBY but I feel
like the current Framework lacks
ambition and planners have taken the
easy option by looking too readily
at greenfield and green belt sites for
development. I am pro development,
but it must be quality development in
the right places and right for people
and local communities – not just right
for developers.”
Burnham recognises some of the
concerns that the regional property
industry has about his stance but
stressed that he wants new homes
and new jobs in the city region –
especially high quality jobs. Andy
said “Following the success of the
city centre, focus now needs to turn
to Greater Manchester’s other towns
and town centres. I want to use my
mayoral powers and available public
investment to drive this agenda.”
The Spatial Framework, in his
view, has looked at the “easy sites”
not the “right sites”. He believes the
public sector has a key role to play
in promoting quality investment –
whether in infrastructure, cultural
facilities, sports activities or green
space – to enhance the value of the
places that the property industry
has often ignored in recent years. He
said “I am passionate about creating
great places to live which are healthy
and less polluted. I am ambitious to
see the neglected parts of the city
region achieve what Manchester
city centre, Media City and East
Manchester have delivered in the
last 20 years.” He wants to work with
developers who share his vision to
support quality development across
the whole of Greater Manchester.
Investing in skills
Burnham sees skills as central to
the region’s future success. “If
elected I intend to create a world
leading Digital City and I will focus
on improving education and skills
– especially technical skills. I will
support greater collaboration
between schools and colleges to
deliver Greater Manchester’s skills
needs. I want to establish a UCAS
style system – similar to that used
when applying to University – to
ensure that young people have much
greater access and knowledge of
apprenticeships available in the city
region.” Andy sees a key role for
businesses in driving the skills and
education agenda.
Central to providing support
to young people in accessing
quality education and training
will be free bus passes for 16-18
year olds. Burnham said: “With
devolution giving the Mayor and
Combined Authority new powers
over the region’s buses, we can act
immediately to help young people.
I think improvements to bus services
will be one of the most obvious and
early benefits people will see if
I am elected.”
Burnham is also putting higher
graduate retention at the heart of his
plans. He said: “Greater Manchester
needs to be seen as a credible
alternative to London for bright
young things. This means providing
an appropriate supply of homes in
the city centre and in other town
centres. I will support higher density
development and a range of housing
solutions including rent to own.”
“Our” Northern Powerhouse
Burnham does feel that the Northern
Powerhouse has slipped down the
agenda for Central Government,
following the departure of George
Osborne. “I have some concerns about
whether the region will receive the
funding, especially in infrastructure,
that is needed”, he said.
But added: “The North must drive
the Northern Powerhouse agenda.
Councils across the north need to
Greater
Manchester
needs to be
seen as a
credible
alternative
to London
for bright
young
individuals
John Keyes, Andy Burnham, Caroline Baker
CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD13
IN CONVERSATION