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

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.