Whatever you do don’t rely on the power of rational argument. I worked in a local authority for five years and it has no place, especially in an economic development sense. For whatever bluster they put out as consultation they DO NOT CARE. There are two ways you can fight it. Find some way in which it is illegal or get someone really powerful or famous to come out totally against it. Since all the powerful and famous in Manchester probably want another nice covered, policed and swept arcade in which to buy more Louis vitton, I would go to the law. If it is as good as you say it might be listed, you could campaign to get it listed?

Once again I have SEEN an engaged citizens group with a wonderfully rational argument and 'ethics' on their side with fabulous local support simply ignored.

Stephen Hall
Department of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, University of Hull, HULL HU6 7RX
Telephone: +44 (0)1482 465313 (direct); +44 (0)1482 465385 (Departmental Office)
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-----Original Message-----
From: A forum for critical and radical geographers [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Morag Rose
Sent: 17 August 2012 15:36
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Struggles for Public Space in Manchester

Dear Critical Geographers

As a student and activist I’ve lurked on this list a long time and enjoyed many debates, however I’ve not been sure when and what is appropriate to post so apologies if this is inappropriate.

Much of my work concerns public space and the right to enjoy the city streets; I know many here have spent a long time studying these matters and I’m looking for lessons learned and ways to support a community struggle in Manchester which I am involved in.

The Council plan to gate and glaze library walk; although this may seem a trivial thing it is arousing deep passions and illuminates wider debates about who and what the city is for.   The issues will be familiar to critical geographers everywhere - enclosure, privatising public space, fearmongering and creating an atmosphere where people do not feel safe or welcome on the street, dodgy council "engagement" strategies and authorities not listening to communities about which places matter to them

There is a petition here:
http://www.change.org/petitions/manchester-city-council-refuse-permission-for-the-plans-to-enclose-library-walk

Briefly, this is why I – and the other members of Friends of Library Walk - oppose the councils plans:

1) We object to the de facto privatisation of public space and the closure of a right of way and believe the streets should be free for us all to enjoy. (this of course is part of a much bigger struggle)

2) Manchester City Council have tried to demonise the walkway as dangerous: we challenge this attempt to denigrate and stigmatise. It is statistically untrue - one attack occured there - this is clearly one too many but closing an area where something bad happened sets a terrible precedent. Which streets are safe for us? Where are we allowed to walk? As a woman, and as a human, this is a disgraceful response.

3) Library Walk is a beautiful place, one of Manchester's true cultural gems. We feel the heritage statement accompanying the councils plans are a gross misrepresentation: Far from being an "accident" as alleged the walk is the work of E Vincent Harris, a much admired architect. He designed both Manchester Library and the Town Hall Extension - both Grade II* listed buildings - and the space between them is glorious. We delight in its sensual curves, its glimpse of the sky and the respite it provides from the bustling city.

4) There are serious issues raised about democracy and the consultation process. The publicly lauded plans for refurbishment of central library and the town hall did not include this work. There were assurances a new underground link (which we did not object to) would be fully accessible. Our Freedom of Information Request to find out why there was a change of mind has been rejected. The cost of the scheme is estimated at £3.5million - to proceed with such a folly when vital services are being cut is a disgrace. (This includes domestic violence services of course)

Finding myself in the labyrinth of planning (my background is more direct action and cultural activism) I am bemused and looking for ways to put theory into practical action and perhaps learn from and make links with other campaigns.   We want to keep this fluffy and rational and evidence based as experience with this council suggests this is the way forward.

Any support or advice or information anyone could give us would be much appreciated, I can supply further evidence (and rants!)  and you can find our website at www.friendsoflibrarywalk.wordpress.com and finally, if you have read this far please please can I ask you to sign the petition http://www.change.org/petitions/manchester-city-council-refuse-permission-for-the-plans-to-enclose-library-walk

Many thanks

Morag Rose

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