Opening Address: Manchester - Events and Legacies

Sir Richard Leese, Leader Manchester City Council

“Events programmes don’t change cities. But, if they’re done in the right way, cultural and sports events can make a significant contribution to social and economic regeneration.”

“There’s a whole host of Olympic cities where any social and economic benefits have been pretty short term.”

“The aim for us was the change the city’s infrastructure and to change the image of Manchester.”

“25 years ago Manchester was a pretty bleak place. The city has changed.”

“The driver for us 25 years ago was jobs, and it’s still jobs 25 years later.”

“Our city events strategy will help us achieve the same objectives of a healthier city, a wealthier city and a happier city.”

“Through sport we will have made a contribution to the economic, social and environmental regeneration of the city.”

Dan, aged 14, from Stretford Grammar School, interviewing Sir Richard Leese at the conference.

Dan is a sports reporter for Supporter to Reporter, a project working with Aim higher students in Trafford, giving young people real life media experience. He was asking Sir Richard about the challenges of delivering four world events in just eight weeks as part of Manchester World Sport 08 – and the social and economic benefits of these events.