There was a lively debate at our February meeting with John Tomaney, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at University College London, and Karel Williams, Professor of Accounting and Political Economy at Alliance Manchester Business School. They gave a critical account of the development of the Manchester city region, including its ten boroughs, and focusing on the city centre.  They noted that the new city-centre developments have provided accommodation that largely suits single persons and couples, allowing them to live and work in the city without commuting. But these city-centre flats are unsuited to families. When considered together with Manchester’s transport infrastructure, Professors Tomaney and Williams identified deleterious consequences for the surrounding towns.