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Industrial closure, regional development and local planning: Multiple narratives of change from the experience of Longbridge, Birmingham

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  • Stephen Hall

Abstract

This article provides a critique of the policy response to the closure, in 2005, of the MG Rover factory in Longbridge, Birmingham. To date, the Longbridge ‘narrative’ has been dominated by the work of the Labour Government’s MG Rover Task Force to secure the regional supply chain and support redundant workers. However, this represents a selective interpretation of the Longbridge experience. Important alternative narratives have been neglected, including the local impacts of closure, the role of front-line officials and voluntary and community groups in mitigating these, and future regeneration. The article considers these important issues and, thus, seeks to contribute to a more inclusive narrative of the Longbridge closure, the policy response to it and the lessons arising in light of the present crisis engulfing the European automotive industry. The article concludes that the nature and scope of the public policy response to industrial closure must be multi-level and multi-thematic in outlook and ensure investment in the resilience of local economy and society.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen Hall, 2013. "Industrial closure, regional development and local planning: Multiple narratives of change from the experience of Longbridge, Birmingham," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 28(5), pages 499-511, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:loceco:v:28:y:2013:i:5:p:499-511
    DOI: 10.1177/0269094213483968
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John Tomaney & Andy Pike & James Cornford, 1999. "Plant Closure and the Local Economy: The Case of Swan Hunter on Tyneside," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(5), pages 401-411.
    2. Gill Bentley & David Bailey & Alex De Ruyter, 2010. "The MG Rover closure and policy response: an evaluation of the Task Force model in the UK," International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 10(2/3), pages 236-251.
    3. Pugalis, Lee, 2011. "Look before you LEP," Journal of Urban Regeneration and Renewal, Henry Stewart Publications, vol. 5(1), pages 7-22, September.
    4. David Bailey & Stewart MacNeill, 2008. "The Rover Task Force: A case study in proactive and reactive policy intervention?," Regional Science Policy & Practice, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 1(1), pages 109-124, November.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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