An interesting piece by Evan Davies on the BBC website
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26472423
It asks which is, or should be, Britain's second city, and introduces statistics about the relative sizes of cities, and their productivity, in other countries, suggesting not that London is too big, but that other cities are too small. He comes up with the idea that the real "second city" is Hebden Bridge! An inverse city structure compared with others, with a small, discreet centre, surrounded by a rural belt, then with conurbation at its fringes, in the shape of Manchester, Leeds and Bradford. This "city" would fit the size standards of a "second city". More importantly, with the right infrastructure, it could generate much more wealth than the current divided cities.
I probably haven't summarised it very well, but it appeals to me. Any thoughts?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26472423
Evan Davis said:The case for making Hebden Bridge the UK's second city
Birmingham and Manchester are usually mentioned when the subject of Britain's second city comes up. But is Hebden Bridge - population 4,200 - the rightful owner of the title?
However, there is an interesting alternative suggestion - Hebden Bridge. It is not a suggestion to take literally, but it does make an important point.
Hebden Bridge, nestling in the Pennines between Manchester and Leeds, is certainly one of the most interesting and flourishing towns in the UK. It was once declared the "fourth funkiest town in the world" (whatever that means) and is often said to be the lesbian capital of the UK.
Certainly, Hebden Bridge has attracted a lot of professional couples who are split commuters, one heading towards Manchester and one towards Leeds each morning. It is a place that allows both those cities to be treated as next door.. (read full article)
It asks which is, or should be, Britain's second city, and introduces statistics about the relative sizes of cities, and their productivity, in other countries, suggesting not that London is too big, but that other cities are too small. He comes up with the idea that the real "second city" is Hebden Bridge! An inverse city structure compared with others, with a small, discreet centre, surrounded by a rural belt, then with conurbation at its fringes, in the shape of Manchester, Leeds and Bradford. This "city" would fit the size standards of a "second city". More importantly, with the right infrastructure, it could generate much more wealth than the current divided cities.
I probably haven't summarised it very well, but it appeals to me. Any thoughts?