"Friedrich Engels Inspires Luxury Penthouse in Manchester"

Experience the melding of historical significance and contemporary opulence as a lavish penthouse in Manchester takes inspiration from Friedrich Engels, the renowned philosopher and social theorist. This luxurious residence not only offers unparalleled comfort and elegance but also pays homage to Engels' enduring legacy. Immerse yourself in the unique blend of past and present, where history meets modernity in the heart of Manchester.

Boston Brand Media brings you the latest news - Local residents have remarked that the latest addition to Manchester's landscape, a luxurious penthouse flat named after the revolutionary socialist thinker Friedrich Engels and valued in the millions, exemplifies the city's trend of commercializing its radical past. Situated within the eastern tower of Deansgate Square, the apartment embodies the developer Renaker's vision for the "New Jackson" skyscraper district, aimed at establishing a sustainable and appealing community. 

The tower's location, formerly a poverty-stricken slum area, juxtaposes the opulence of the penthouse with Manchester's historical struggles against destitution and overcrowded living conditions. Notably, the tower stands in close proximity to a statue of Engels outside the Home arts center, highlighting the philosopher's significant presence in the city during the mid-19th century. Engels, a German philosopher, conducted extensive research in Manchester for over two decades, shaping his seminal work "The Condition of the Working Class in England."

Engels' study delves into the hardships faced by the Victorian industrial working class, shedding light on issues like overcrowded housing, high mortality rates, and harsh working conditions. Today, Manchester grapples with a pressing need for affordable housing, evidenced by over 15,000 applications for social housing. Property prices in the city reflect this demand, with an average property costing £300,521 and flats selling at £200,652 on average. 

Boston Brand Media also found that the luxurious 290 sq meter penthouse, named "The Engels," serves as a showhome, boasting three en suite bedrooms, a home office, and a spacious open-plan living area. Priced at £2.5 million, it symbolizes Manchester's trend of integrating its radical past into a marketable brand, as noted by Isaac Rose from the Greater Manchester Tenants Union. Another penthouse, "The Turing," named after Alan Turing, is also available for £2.5 million.

Engels, who purposefully immersed himself in the working class's life, might have found it ironically amusing that penthouses are now named after him. Isaac Rose remarks on Manchester's severe affordable housing crisis, describing it as "pretty bad" with observable daily effects. He points to a combination of factors including insufficient social housing, significant rent increases in the private rental sector, and the resulting necessity for many to resort to temporary accommodation.

In areas south of the towering structures, like Hulme and Moss Side, there have been significant rent hikes, leading to potential displacement of residents who struggle to find alternative accommodation nearby. Jonathan Schofield, who leads Engels tours in Manchester, points out the irony of naming a penthouse after Engels, given its location on what was once a densely packed slum. He finds it amusing and questions the relevance, considering Engels' advocacy for common ownership and his critique of urban poverty.

The site, once a car park, now hosts thousands of residents on the city's edge. Councillor Gavin White acknowledges Engels' historical significance and his depiction of Manchester's hardships in the mid-1800s, contrasting it with the city's progress today. He explains that referencing figures like Engels in housing developments situates them within Manchester's historical narrative. White hopes residents will consider the lessons from the city's past as they shape its future.

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Source: theguardian‍