Sir Howard Bernstein dies at the age of 71
The Manchester City Council executive spearheaded the city's regrowth
Last updated 22nd Jun 2024
Tributes have been paid to from Manchester City Council chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein, who has died at the age of 71.
Bernstein became a member of the council at 18 as a junior clerk for the Town Hall in 1971, before rising the ranks to become one of the UK's most powerful civil servants.
Among the many projects he was behind the helm of, he is widely credited for spearheading Manchester's regrowth at the beginning of the 2000s.
During his tenure as Council leader, Sir Howard invested heavily into the regeneration of Hulme, the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the success of Manchester Airport's expansion.
He also was responsible for the reconstruction of the Arndale shopping centre following the 1996 IRA bombing, as well as developing the expansion of the Metrolink tram system.
Born into a Jewish family in Cheetham Hill in 1953, Sir Howard's father sold raincoats to customers above a laundrette opposite a local library.
As he grew up, Sir Howard showed a keen interest in leadership, managing to get a job at the Town Hall, earning £500 a year.
However, as he worked his way through the ranks over the years, he was able to push his career forward after Graham Stringer came to power in 1984.
As time went on, Sir Howard became the leader of the Council and was famed for striking a deal to give £600 million of public and private sector cash to Manchester to regrow the city.
Manchester City Council led tributes to the civil servant, with council leader Bev Craig thanking him for being "a driving force in the city’s turnaround from post-industrial decline to the growing, confident and forward-looking city we see today."
Sir Howard's family also paid tribute in a statement, saying that: "Sir Howard's legacy shaped Manchester as the city we know, and he will forever be a part of Manchester's history. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the city he passionately served."
Sir Howard is survived by his wife Vanessa, as well as two children and three step-children.