The Feasibility of Building a New Mega City in the UK’s North

The question of whether the UK will ever build another mega city like London, especially in the North from scratch, is a fascinating one. While the UK has numerous major cities like Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, and Newcastle upon Tyne, it is unlikely that a new city of this magnitude will be constructed from the ground up.

Evolution of Existing Cities

The UK has a rich history of urban development, with cities evolving over time rather than being built from scratch. For instance, London is a prime example of this. The city center, particularly Westminster and Southwark, expanded and engulfed surrounding settlements through a process of urbanization. Today, the Greater London area is a collection of previously separate settlements, each with unique characteristics.

Feasibility in the North and Midlands

While a mega-city is feasible in parts of the North and Midlands, the prospect of building a new one from scratch is challenging. In the North, Birmingham, dominated by the urban sprawl of the West Midlands area, has never been considered a single entity. The Leeds city region could potentially coalesce with the Sheffield city region, potentially embracing cities like Bradford and Wakefield, as well as towns like Barnsley, Halifax, Huddersfield, Rotherham, and Doncaster.

Greater Manchester and Merseyside

Greater Manchester and Merseyside have a similar potential. The region could evolve into a single entity, possibly embracing other areas such as Preston and Runcorn. However, the idea of a new mega-city faces significant challenges, including the enormous cost of infrastructure needed to support such a large city.

Historical Context and Complex Infrastructure

Historically, cities like London, established over 1,000 years ago by the Romans, have evolved into complex networks of infrastructure. For example, the city of London has a massive network of train tunnels, some dating back over 150 years, which crisscross the city and form the London Underground. Recreating such a complex system would take many years and substantial resources.

Public and Political Resistance

Building a new mega-city would likely face resistance from local authorities, who have significant vested interests in their areas. The public may also oppose plans for such drastic changes to the landscape and the socio-economic fabric of the regions. The nearest the UK has come to such an idea is the post-war New Town Commission towns, such as Milton Keynes, which serve as examples of planned urban developments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the possibility of a new mega-city evolving in the North or Midlands cannot be entirely ruled out, the practical challenges and costs involved make it an unviable project. The UK's urban development has historically been characterized by evolution rather than construction from scratch. Whether in London or the North, cities continue to grow and adapt in response to the needs and demands of their populations.