Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? Is Manchester reaching its full potential?
Manchester City Council has recently unveiled its State of the City Report for the past year, shedding light on the city’s progress, successes, and challenges. This report coincides with the ‘Our Manchester Strategy – Forward to 2025’, a collaborative effort involving business partners, community groups, and residents to outline a blueprint for Manchester’s improvement by 2025.
Now in its seventh year, the analysis delves into the city’s evolution, highlighting five key areas of focus within the State of the City report. These areas include:
1. A Thriving and Sustainable City
2. A Highly Skilled City
3. A Progressive and Equitable City
4. A Liveable and Zero-Carbon City
5. A Connected City
Councillor Bev Craig, Manchester City Council Leader, voiced the importance of the report, stating, “The State of the City report gives us essential insights into Manchester – our progress, innovations, and the challenges that require further attention.
“While our economy continues to grow with significant investments and job creation, many residents are facing challenges due to the cost-of-living crisis. We aim to bridge the gap and improve the lives of Manchester people.”
Let’s delve deeper into each of these key areas highlighted in the State of the City Report:
A Thriving and Sustainable City
The report reveals that Manchester is witnessing population growth, both in its residents and in the city centre itself. With nearly 100,000 inhabitants, the city centre has become a thriving hub for people of all backgrounds. Industries such as professional services, digital technology, and finance are on the rise, leading to economic diversification and increased investment in district centres like Wythenshawe, Chorlton, and Gorton.
A Highly Skilled City
Manchester’s educational outcomes have seen significant improvement, with 90% of schools rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. The city council strives to support adults in upskilling and retraining to partake in the city’s success. However, challenges persist, with the average monthly wage below regional and national averages, highlighting the need for continued support.
A Progressive and Equitable City
Efforts to address inequalities in Manchester encompass a broad spectrum, including ethnicity and age. Initiatives such as the Making Manchester Fairer action plan aim to reduce poverty, support deprived groups, and lessen homelessness. Notably, the number of rough sleepers decreased by 17% between 2022 and 2023.
A Liveable and Zero Carbon City
The city’s quest for sustainability involves increasing affordable, low-carbon housing options. Despite challenges like rising rent costs, plans are in place to build 36,000 new homes by 2032, with 10,000 earmarked as affordable. Manchester aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2038, with a 8.9% reduction in council emissions already observed.
A Connected City
Enhancing connectivity in Manchester encompasses digital advancement and improved transportation. The Manchester Digital Strategy aims to make the city digitally proficient, while public transport plays a significant role in reducing private car usage. A substantial 63% of trips into the city centre are made via public transport.
As Manchester progresses towards a sustainable, connected future, the State of the City Report serves as a roadmap, guiding the city and its residents towards a more inclusive, thriving community.
Image credit: iStock and Manchester City Council
