First Street Unveils Sir Howard Bernstein Approach

The family, friends and colleagues of the late Sir Howard Bernstein gathered at First Street in Manchester last week to celebrate the unveiling of a new route through the estate which has been named Sir Howard Bernstein Approach.

Sir Howard joins a select group of people celebrated by the road and place names at First Steet, people who over the years have also helped shape Manchester including Anthony H Wilson, James Grigor, Jack Rosenthal, Annie Horniman and Isabella Banks.

Sir Howard’s family was joined at the event by Tom Stannard from Manchester City Council and representatives from Ask Real Estate (Ask), the landlord and lead developer of First Street.

Commenting on the unveiling, Sir Howard’s wife, Lady Vanessa Bernstein said: “It’s wonderful to see Howard’s name at First Steet. This was one of the many developments he championed across the city which together have made Manchester the best place in the country to live and work.”

Tom Stannard, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said: "There are few Mancunians who have left a greater mark on our city than Sir Howard. To this day we see the extent of his legacy in reshaping and redefining what Manchester could be. As the architect of the modern Manchester we know today it’s fitting that his name joins those of the city’s other famous sons and daughters at the First Street neighbourhood.”

John Hughes, managing director of Ask added: “At his memorial Sir Howard was recognised as one of the UK’s most influential civil servants and he absolutely was the driving force behind the evolution of First Street. It’s wonderful to join his family and members of the Council for this unveiling, at a point that also marks ten years since the launch of the First Street estate.”

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "It is hard to overstate the impact that Sir Howard had on our city. He was a catalyst for change not only in First Street, which, now will forever bear his name, but across every community in Manchester. He was passionate about our city being a success story and I can think of no better way to honour his legacy than to continue what he started, many decades ago.”

Sir Howard played a fundamental role in helping bring together the key stakeholders to deliver First Street. Today, the area is a prominent strategic gateway into the city from the Airport and the Mancunian Way. It is now a well-established city centre destination where businesses, culture and leisure come together at the heart of a residential community of 2,700 people.

Sir Howard Bernstein Approach runs off Medlock Street to James Grigor Square and turns right to connect with Hulme Street.