Tributes are being paid to former Manchester City Council Chief Executive Sir Howard Bernstein, who passed away over the weekend after a period of illness.
The Council's Chief Executive pays tribute to Sir Howard Bernstein who died today. pic.twitter.com/69W8o7CxmJ
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 22, 2024
Bernstein was one of the leading voices in the move to introduce the Manchester Metrolink which, when introduced in the 1990s, became the first transport link of its kind to be delivered in a British city in over a century. Regeneration was also a key focus for Bernstein, who was a supporter of projects such as the Manchester Velodrome, the Manchester Arena, and the City of Manchester Stadium.
In tribute to the former Chief Executive, Leader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig released the following statement:
“Sir Howard served Manchester with remarkable distinction. He will be remembered as a driving force in the city’s turnaround from post-industrial decline to the growing, confident and forward-looking city we see today.
“He had boundless energy, strategic vision and a passion for Manchester. In 46 at the council, serving as Chief Executive between 1998 and 2017, he played an integral role in the regeneration and economic growth of the city, from the city centre’s resurgence after the 1996 IRA bomb, and the 2002 Commonwealth Games and transformation of East Manchester to the creation and extension of Metrolink.
“He was also integral in the establishment of strong working relationships between the 10 Greater Manchester councils, culminating in the establishment of Greater Manchester Combined Authority in 2011 and a series of historic devolution agreements which transferred power and resources away from Westminster and Whitehall to our region.
“He leaves an incredible legacy in the transformation of the city. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Leading the council as Chief Executive for 19 years (1998 - 2017), Bernstein oversaw successes including the only time to date that a local authority has won the RIBA Client of the Year award – for the City of Manchester Stadium and Urbis- as well as being a figure of great influence in the NHS thanks to his work on reforming healthcare in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also stated that he is ‘deeply saddened’ by Bernstein’s passing, labelling him ‘a changemaker.’ Burnham said:
“Sir Howard was the architect of modern Manchester; the regeneration of the city centre throughout the 1990s owed much to his diligent leadership and ability to build partnerships with the private sector. The success of the Commonwealth Games in 2022 left a legacy that is still being felt today. He was someone who could get along with everyone and make strong connections at all levels. Working alongside Sir Richard Leese, he helped attract billions of pounds of investment while skilfully running one of the largest councils in the UK.
“Sir Howard was a changemaker who had an innate ability for getting things done – he always found a way and knew no limits. Regional devolution, the creation of the office of Mayor and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and the Northern Powerhouse – these are all achievements in which Sir Howard played a pivotal role. Perhaps his most significant contribution was to redefine out ambitions for both Manchester and Greater Manchester, setting the foundations on which we now build.”
Joanne Roney took over as Chief Executive in 2017, with Bernstein being appointed Strategic Development Advisor within Manchester City Football Club’s parent company.
Image credit: Manchester City Council
