Housing benefits
MANCTOPIA: BILLION POUND PROPERTY BOOM
BBC2, 9pm
MANCHESTER is one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK, going through a huge housing boom and with a city centre population set to double.
Ever since talk of “Northern Powerhouses” back in 2014, and the relocation of lots of companies, skyscrapers have started popping up all over the horizon, rents have increased by 40 per cent and gentrification has well and truly arrived. This four-part series, narrated by local lass Sally Lindsay, follows some of those people affected by this boom.
There’s multi-millionaire developer Tim, who’s hoping to take a rundown area near Piccadilly station, frequented by squatters and sex workers, and transform it into a desirable neighbourhood full of luxury flats.
And estate agent Jennie, who’s struggling to find enough millionpound penthouses for her list of wealthy clients. But there are also people like single mum Christina, who’s been priced out of the area she’s lived in her whole life. And Richard, who lost his job and then his home after his brother died in his arms in tragic circumstances and he developed mental health issues.
The brutal contrasts are everywhere – when former rough sleeper Richard finally moves into his temporary one-bed flat, he thinks it’s “too much space” for him, while fashion stylist Helen can’t find a luxury property big enough, saying she needs at least two rooms just to house all her designer clothes and shoes.
When it comes to housing, the city of Manchester is very much not united.