Another Space Lost, Another Space Gained
Article published: Wednesday, October 7th 2009
Spinningfields is promoted as a modern progressive public space but instead it is commercial and restricted.
The tag line on the Spinningfields development in central Manchester declares that it’s “a 21st century expression of cultural and architectural excellence… an exciting new cityscape of richly varied streets…set in a lively and dynamic public realm”. You won’t be surprised to hear that this is a load of old marketing shtick.
The development is in the heart of Manchester’s financial district, which itself says a lot. A large number of security cameras coupled with burly security guards give the feeling that you are on the set of a futuristic sci-fi film. You would think the authorities were taking drastic abrasive action to curb the riotous habits of the general populous that feature in Robocop or Demolition Man.
I experienced this security culture first hand when I was passing en route back from the gym (in an old tracksuit) when I stopped to read a text on my phone. By the time I had finished writing my reply a guard had materialised next to me and asked “what do you intend to do here?” After asking him whether that was a philosophical question he suggested that I move on. If you’re hoping I stayed and stuck it to the man…I didn’t. In this situation I wondered what social code I had broken in order to be ejected. I assume it was because I wasn’t buying anything and that my clothing might put off other consumers.
Surely with the bad press that companies like Royal Bank Scotland are experiencing, the financial sector should have built a complex that is accessible and welcoming to the public, instead what has been created is an Ivory Tower that smacks of exclusion to anyone not in a suit.
As for the claim that the area contains “rich and varied streets” I’ve seen more variation in a pack of pork scratchings.
There is no better example of this than the homogeneous chain-eatery, which exists in abundance in Spinningfields.
When the area was being developed the public were given the impression that it was going to be a vibrant place where food and drink would be the main attraction, I was intrigued about this new area of Manchester. But a test of this unique culinary experience turns out to be painfully boring and prescriptive. With the exception of Manchester based KRO bar which isn’t known for value for money and Japanese restaurant Samsi, all the food and drink on offer is from large chains generally based in London.
Surely this is a bit of an own goal? Studies carried out by Dan Houston, a partner at Civic Economics, says that in recent studies locally owned businesses put about twice as much money back into the community as the chains do. So this redevelopment and regeneration scheme would appear to be sending money from the north west away to the chains that own them. Out of the 18 restaurants operating in Spinningfields one has headquarters in Leeds, another in Luton and 16 in London.
There are some positives for the general public. Thursday film screenings and relaying sporting events like the Ashes does create a sense of community in a shared public space. However this space is constantly monitored by the aforementioned security guards who prowl the area. They even stopped one man hopping over a low rope to get to the public toilet toilets.
This is a missed opportunity for developers to create a space unique to Manchester, fed and watered by local businesses, instead we have been given monolithic glass buildings that could well be anywhere.
William Roissetter
More: Manchester
Comments
-
when me and my mate went there the yellow-uniformed security guards wouldnt let chain our bikes anywhere, even tho we were going for (an exorbitantly priced) coffee in cafe there. then when we were hanging around afterwards we were moved on!
Comment by M on October 8, 2009 at 5:24 pm -
It’s mad – one time I was just passing through on my bike in the evening, and just stopped for a moment to look at a map to check where I was going, and within about 30 seconds a security guard was asking what I was doing and if I would move on. I worry this is happwning in more and more parts of the city centre – just take the print works and the arndale centre – this is where the public congregates at weekends, but few of the freedoms associated with public space exist – try handing out a leaflet and you’ll be thrown out.
The only freedom in these places is freedom to consume!
Comment by jess on October 8, 2009 at 11:38 pm -
Nice article. Have you tried taking a picture within the Spinningfields complex? That is frowned upon too – even though one of the buildings was nominated for a major architectural award. Anna Minton’s recent book, Ground Control – Fear and Happiness in the Twenty First Century deals with a lot of this stuff, place as product and privatisation of public space. It’s a good read.
Comment by Chris on October 13, 2009 at 1:24 pm -
I am pretty sure that masterplan for Spinningfields includes buildings for all of the sites that currently have grass on them. Even the small triangular site near the Civil Justice Centre. Presumably when the property market picks up the grass will vanish in favour of more offices. Shame.
Comment by Chris on October 16, 2009 at 6:43 pm
The comments are closed.
