Going for Growth: Prestige Projects in Three British Cities

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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.

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