A New Islington Metrolink stop has once again sparked the debate on whether unethical developments should be allowed, and what developers can d oto compromise with residents, as to not disrupt their lifestyles.
Unethical property developments are usually created to benefit the developer directly, and take away a source of enjoyment, history or housing from residents- or change environmental factors. A primary example of this is gentrification: displacing inhabitants for monetary gain.
Recent work in New Islington, Manchester has sparked the debate of unethical developing once again. The source of the disturbance is a new Metrolink stop, that once used to be a popular destination for dog walkers andalike.
Previously green space, the newly named Electric Park will consist of five buildings designed for small to medium businesses.
As previously decided, the plans to develop the Metrolink stop would reduce a 4-acre green space to around 2 and a half acres, a loss of 1.5. However, with this decrease, the developers have considered making theremaining green land significantly better, and a spokesperson for the development has suggested there is a commitment to increase biodiversity by 30percent in the remaining space.
Many residents came forward to voice opinions of the latest development:
“It’s terrible. They are building everywhere, this isn’t London. There’s too much.”
Unethical developments not only affect us, but animals too, many with dogs are finding out that there won’t be a place for their pets to stretch, relax and play: “I think they are keeping the tiniest little patch. I do not have somewhere as close to take my dog to the toilet. We often go to the Marina, but that’s it.”
“It was well-used in lockdown. Just leave it. Canadian Geese are all over it aren’t they? Where else is there going to be?”
Thankfully, in response to the commotion, Liberal Democrat councillor Alan Good has called for a new park to be built in the area to make up for the loss of green space: “We still haven’t heard about plans for any new green space in Ancoats or New Islington, meanwhile hundreds of new people move into the area each year. The city urgently needs joined-up thinking to create world class green spaces at the heart of our city centre neighbourhoods.”
So, should unethical developing continue?
Ultimately, developing in any area will come with residential unrest. Current inhabitants of areas aren’t used to change, so the prospect of new business moving in can become terrifying.
It is more important to figure out what developers can do to compromise with existing residents. Realistically, continued development in an area can provide better lifestyles for those living there as it may become more popular, and more interesting for prospective restaurants, shops, cafes and businesses. Development should be a give and take situation that in the long run benefits the residents, such as redeveloping derelict buildings etc. in order to uplift the area.
