The secret negotiations to restore Manchester to greatness | Simon Jenkins

Ever since its 19th-century heyday, the city has languished in the shadow of London. But that may be about to change

The stern turrets and gables of Manchester town hall have presided over the city since 1867 to celebrate King Cotton in all its magnificence. They evoke the great “cloth halls” of medieval Flanders and their architect, Alfred Waterhouse, was told to let rip, to go to “any cost reasonably required”. Victorian Manchester would boast twice the riches of London with twice the ostent...