Going for Growth: Prestige Projects in Three British Cities

Abstract

In response to the global restructuring of industry in the 1970s and 1980s, the elected governments of economically depressed cities have increasingly adopted growth-orientated local economic development policies. A key component of pro-growth local economic development strategies, adopted by UK city governments and central government agencies has been investment in, and promotion of, high-profile prestige property developments and civic boosterism activities. This paper provides a review of the local economic development responses of three UK local authorities (Birmingham, Sheffield and Manchester) to economic restructuring and the intensification of inter-city competition. Through an examination of the three case studies, the paper highlights: the debate concerning the validity of pro-growth, local economic development policies; the rationales behind the adoption of such policies; the financing and implementation of pro-growth strategies; economic impacts; and the distributional consequences of pro-growth strategies focused on prestige developments.