Manchester City Centre’s decision to task Peter Saville to create a new Crest for the city is an interesting one. Manchester is one of the most dynamic and creative hubs in the UK and I think most people would agree that we need a cohesive image that accurately projects where we are today. 

There’s no doubting that the city has a strong and proud heritage which forms the very foundation of how it has developed and changed. However, I applaud the decision to update the Crest as it, just like industry, commerce and culture, needs to evolve. I’m not saying that the past should be scrapped – far from it – if anything, it should act as the inspiration for the future. There was a lot of debate when Peter designed the now famous ‘M’ and this next phase needs to build on that clear vision. 

Our identity is now a bit fragmented and that needs to be addressed. Like any brand, Manchester can’t stand still. We are all slightly dubious and reticent when our favourite cereal or chocolate bar undergoes a design re-think, but as long as core messages and heritage aren’t totally abandoned then we adapt and accept them. Manchester is now well and truly on the international stage so the new Crest for the next 166 years needs to showcase the new aswell as pull on the old.