He has argued Nottingham is in an ‘unique’ position to set up an LGBTQ+ district compared to other cities.
Nottingham’s new ‘Rainbow Quarter’ will make the city a “destination,” a key architect of one of the UK’s most popular Gay Villages has said.
The transformation of Hockley into a recognised LGBTQ+ district will bring investment and tourism into the city, as well as providing a space where people can feel comfortable, argues the man who was Manchester’s first openly gay mayor, Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL.
Through his work leading the northern city’s council back in 2016 and 2017 – and later as an LGBTQ+ advisor for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham – Carl played a key role in setting up Manchester’s Gay Village, around Canal Street.
Since the 1960s, the area has grown into one of the world’s most prominent districts for LGBTQ+ people and welcomes more than 150,000 visitors each August for the annual Manchester Pride event.
Now, Mr Austin-Behan is working with the team behind Hockley’s Rainbow Quarter, offering advice and practical support in preparation for the project’s launch.
Shedding new light on how it could be a gamechanger for the city, the veteran says Nottingham is in a “unique” position to set up an LGBTQ+ district compared to other cities.
