Passing Heron House yesterday, I couldn’t help feeling a little closer to the decisions shaping the future of the built environment. There’s a buzz around Albert Square and the city region, drawing attention to our ways of working, our style, and our chutzpah!  Whether Andy Burnham’s move represents a genuine shift in political geography or is more symbolic, it reinforces the growing influence of strong devolved leadership in housing, infrastructure, regeneration and economic growth.  

The term “Manchesterism” has entered the planning lexicon. For some it represents the success of Greater Manchester’s regeneration delivery model; for others, it is just another buzzword. The more interesting question is not whether Manchesterism can be replicated elsewhere to “re-wire” the country, but if other city-regions can secure the necessary powers and make limited resources work, to develop their own versions of success.  

Can Manchester keep leading?  
Andy Burnham’s move to Westminster, coupled with Bev Craig’s election as Mayor of Greater Manchester, marks the beginning of a new chapter for our city-region. While leadership transitions inevitably bring change, we need to demonstrate that Greater Manchester’s success is rooted in long-term institutions and investment strategies, rather than individual personalities. Craig’s priorities around tackling inequality, promoting inclusive growth and ensuring regeneration benefits communities beyond the city centre suggests continuity in the city’s approach. Although as Manchester’s influence grows, the city will export more of the talented people who played a key role in its success, posing a potential skills challenge. 

Nationally, there are reasons for cautious optimism. The Government’s agenda is being shaped by figures with significant experience of housing delivery, planning and local government. Angela Rayner’s Cabinet comeback, alongside Matthew Pennycook’s continued focus on planning reform, and Florence Eshalomi’s experience of strategic planning and devolution through the Greater London Authority, all point towards a renewed emphasis on housing delivery and place-based growth.  

Yet political ambition alone will not deliver new homes, regeneration or long overdue infrastructure investment. Viability remains one of the biggest challenges for the industry, and increasing expectations around affordable housing alongside potential changes to land taxation will inevitably raise questions about deliverability. If the government is serious about accelerating growth, viability must remain central to policy discussions.  

The next major planning milestone is the publication of the revised NPPF, with speculation mounting over its delay. Will the arrival of Burnham influence its final direction? The document may offer the first real insight into how this shifting political landscape translates into planning policy.  

Whether “Manchesterism” remains en vogue is beside the point. The real headline is that the model of devolved place-based growth is shaping the national conversation. With Iceni’s Manchester office on the doorstep of the new Number 10 of the North, and well versed in the Manchester model, we are already helping clients understand what these changes mean in practice, shaping resilient delivery plans to withstand the ever-changing political climate.