Manchester, England is a good example for Detroit, Michigan

mediacity:uk
Originally uploaded by GScott

Recently I watched the movie 24 Hour Party People which is as much about regeneration in Manchester, England as about anything else. Manchester is another leading example of an important industrial hub that, like Detroit, fell on hard times. The movie shows a slice of how it subsequently reinvented itself by exploiting impressive assets such as its architecture, an enduring brand, and artistic talent (not to mention a thriving sports culture).

Detroit has a dated but once glamorous brand that’s similar to Manchester’s, and a pristine stock of mid-20th Century architecture. The metro’s also the place of origin for premier artistic talents such as Jack and Meg White, Marshall Mathers, Madonna Ciccone and Stevie Wonder. Like Manchester it also has a thriving sports culture. So, what’s stopping Detroit from navigating a path like Manchester has? Nothing!

In fact, an old friend and colleague of mine is heavily involved with the BBC’s major new MediaCity:UK project being developed on Manchester’s waterfront, the Salford Quays. This is another inspiring example for Detroit; and deserves closer scrutiny.