Here at Cushman & Wakefield, we have been evaluating the inclusiveness of 44 cities across EMEA including Manchester through analysis of 110 detailed metrics. These range across economic, social, spatial and environmental dimensions.
The aim is to not only understand our cities better but to go some way towards quantifying social value, and create a blueprint for inclusive development in our buildings and places.
Manchester is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe – its population is due to reach 100,000 by 2026. However, there is still significant potential for growth - the city centre only accounts for 13% of total employment in the city - compared to 34% in London.
Investing in Success identifies an impressive pipeline of future opportunities which focus on creating inclusive places to support growth over the next 20 years including Mayfield, Innovation District Manchester, Victoria North and Wythenshawe.
Over 25 years ago when setting its trajectory for growth, the importance of graduate retention was central to the City’s Strategy. Over half (51%) of students from Manchester’s universities choose to remain in the city after graduation and an even greater proportion (57%) of students from Manchester who left for university return after graduating in other cities.
Manchester has been particularly successful in attracting international students. Many of those who move to Manchester identify as Mancunian, and the term is widely used by those who feel at home in the City, rather than being reserved as a term only for those born in the City.
Another important pillar of Manchester’s strategy in the 1990s was to create aspirational homes that would attract professionals to the city. Strong partnership working between Manchester City Council and private sector developers (predominantly local developers initially) led to the renaissance of the City Centre as a place to live. 22,350 new homes were developed between 2011 and 2021.
While accommodation is still relatively affordable, compared to many other parts of the Country, strong demand continues to put pressure on the housing market. Rents are increasing at some of the highest rates in the UK (running at c.17.5%) and in response Manchester’s Housing Strategy commits to build 36,000 new homes by 2032 of which 10,000 will be affordable – some of which will be delivered by the City’s housing company – This City. Initial loans to support city centre housing are now being reinvested in surrounding neighborhoods amplifying the impact of investment and driving inclusivity.
Along with its partner authorities in Greater Manchester, Manchester has created a subregional tram system that is the envy of many other areas. However, 70% of commutes are made by car which results in congestion in the City Centre resulting in poor air quality. The Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 sets an objective that by 2040 90% of morning peak trips in the city centre will be made by foot, cycle or public transport resulting in a cleaner, greener, less congested and safer city.
This will be achieved by a series of improvements including pedestrianisation of areas of the city such as Albert Square, dedicated bus and cycle routes on Deansgate, electric buses and affordable integrated ticketing delivered as part of The Bee Network - Greater Manchester’s vision for an integrated ‘London-style’ transport system.
Manchester’s substantial commercial and residential growth has also placed strain on its energy infrastructure. Maintaining Manchester’s growth trajectory and the transition to becoming a net zero carbon city (by 2038, 12 years ahead of UK target) will increase demand further – innovative solutions through partnership working will be critical to ensure that infrastructure does not hold back ambition.
Perceptions of Manchester have been transformed from a declining industrial city in the 1980s to a dynamic and diverse metropolis today. Further action is required to ensure that Manchester can retain its position as the most attractive UK destination for foreign direct investment outside of London. This includes creating a more diverse and inclusive labour market to drive innovation, resilience and adaptability to respond to new opportunities driven by technological and social change.
Inclusive and sustainable growth will only be achieved if local residents are upskilled to be able to benefit from new opportunities. Ensuring the next generation of talent is equipped to succeed is supported by Manchester’s UNICEF Child Friendly City status which aims to develop the next generation of talent, with a focus on 16 and 17-year-olds and connecting businesses to schools.
Manchester is highly successful in attracting large multinational companies to relocate or expand, and 80 of the FTSE 100 companies and 50 international banks have office space in the city. The City has seen 30% growth in businesses since 2015. However, inclusive success will only be achieved when every resident shares in the prosperity of the growing economy. The Strategy to ensure existing residents also benefit from growth includes delivery of the Living Wage Action Plan, supporting the Greater Manchester Local Skills Improvement Plan to help match skills and training provision in Manchester to the needs of employers and the wider labour market, reducing health inequalities through delivery of the Making Manchester Fairer Action Plan and delivering Manchester’s Work and Skills Strategy, Anti-Poverty Strategy, and embedding social value across anchor institutions.
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