Developers and agents back Manchester c-charge plan

Some of Manchester’s most high-profile developers and agents have lined up to back the city’s proposals for a congestion charge as £3bn in funding is sought. Chris Oglesby, chief executive of Bruntwood, Tom Bloxham, chairman of Urban Splash and Bob Dyson, North West chairman of Jones Lang LaSalle are among 35 signatories on an open letter sent to media outlets this week. In it, they praise the Association of Greater Manchester Authrities (AGMA) for “having the courage to promote a public debate on the crucial issues facing all of us on transport”. The letter adds: “If we fail to deliver it will mean no more major investment in transport, more and more congestion, smaller and smaller job markets and a serious economic slowdown leading to ultimate decline.” The move comes as Peel Holdings, owner of the Trafford Centre and Salford Quays, launched an attack on the c-charge proposals. It commissioned a survey showing 80% of businesses were against the “tax”, which it claimed would “hamstring businesses and drive away potential investors in the city”. AGMA will apply this month for £3bn in government funding to implement the c-charge scheme, which would fund public transport improvements. The proposals cover a much larger area than the central London scheme but would apply only at peak times on weekdays. Charges would be levied for entering and leaving an inner and outer zone, with a maximum charge of £5 per day. If the funding bid is successful, the system could be in place by 2012. Other signatories on the letter include: •           Carol Ainscow, Artisan Holdings •           Ken Bishop, DTZ •           Peter Skelton, Lambert Smith Hampton •           Peter Gallagher, Erinaceous •           Ian Simpson, Ian Simpson Architects •           John Adams, Drivers Jonas david.quinn@egi.co.uk