Northern Quarter Awarded ‘Best Neighbourhood In Britain’

As most city centre residents might already know (especially the film enthusiasts amongst us!), the Northern Quarter was recently chosen as the location for filming of the forthcoming Hollywood blockbuster, Captain America, starring Chris Evans and Samuel L Jackson. So having already attracted the attention of Hollywood, the Northern Quarter is now receiving praise a little closer to home after it was awarded the title of ‘the best neighbourhood in Britain’.

The vibrant Northern Quarter district – often dubbed the cultural heart of Manchester – won the title ahead of rivals from Belfast and Glasgow. Judges of the 2011 Great Neighbourhood of the Year award praised the Northern Quarter for undergoing ‘significant redevelopment and diversification’ in recent years.

They said the area had become a ‘vibrant home’ to a mix of fashion designers, creative agencies, art galleries and popular bars and restaurants. The area – home to the iconic Afflecks Palace – is known for its cosmopolitan mix of shops and apartments.

The latest award was given by the Academy of Urbanism, whose members include top architects, planners, engineers, developers and designers. They aim to recognise the best, most enduring or most improved urban environments in the country.

Judges were impressed by the Northern Quarter’s charm after a visit over the summer.

John Thompson, chairman of the Academy of Urbanism, said: `Thanks to a long-term programme of development and regeneration, the Northern Quarter has become a vibrant contemporary extension to Manchester city centre, while retaining its own character.

`The Academy of Urbanism created these awards to recognise places which have helped enhance local quality of life – the Northern Quarter is a wonderful example of this.`

Other winners included Glasgow for European City of the Year and Hebden Bridge for Great Town of the Year.