Greater Manchester’s Decade of Growth: A Bright Future Ahead

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In a bold move to realise its ambitious ten-year growth vision, Greater Manchester has unveiled a new Development Forum alongside an innovative interactive map that highlights development opportunities throughout the city-region. This initiative marks a significant stride in the region’s commitment to fostering economic growth while prioritising sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The launch of these initiatives is part of a comprehensive strategy designed to deliver tens of thousands of new homes, generate thousands of high-quality jobs, and stimulate considerable private sector investment. Central to this plan is the Integrated Pipeline for Growth, which strategically targets investment at six key Growth Locations identified as having the highest potential to benefit all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester.

The Development Forum is set to play a pivotal role in this transformation by bringing together developers, investors, and leaders from the construction industry. This collaborative effort aims to streamline long-term planning and expedite the delivery of essential projects. The Forum’s objectives include:

• Providing clarity and confidence to the development sector
• Facilitating collaborative problem-solving
• Supporting a faster and more strategic delivery of housing and employment sites

Further details regarding the Forum’s programme will be disclosed at the upcoming Housing 2025 conference in Manchester next month, an event that promises to shed light on the region’s ambitious plans.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham emphasised the importance of local initiatives, stating:

“Right now, the message coming from across the North is loud and clear: back us to deliver economic growth and unleash the potential of our places. Our future will be built from the bottom up, not the top down. In Greater Manchester, we’re leveraging our devolved powers to unlock transformative regeneration projects across our city-region. We’ve experienced growth above the UK average over the past decade, and with the right support, we can go even further.”

Mayor Burnham continued, “With a clear offer on the table for Government and investors, centred on our Growth Locations, we’re creating a blueprint for building thousands of new homes, generating high-quality jobs, and ushering in a decade of prosperity.”

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, echoed this sentiment:

“Greater Manchester’s growth has outstripped the rest of the country over the past decade. However, the next ten years could be the most exhilarating in our history, provided we can collaborate with the Government to unlock significant new investments and eliminate obstacles to future growth. Our success has been founded on collaboration, innovation, and strong partnerships that align all stakeholders towards a common goal. We are now assembling the necessary components to deliver transformative economic growth for future generations.”

The growth strategy is underpinned by a consolidated investment fund, made possible through the Trailblazer devolution deal with the Government. This agreement provides Greater Manchester with enhanced financial flexibility, enabling it to kickstart key sites and attract private capital effectively.

During last week’s UKREiiF conference, leaders from the city-region presented a compelling case for Greater Manchester as the UK’s premier investment opportunity. They highlighted the region’s integrated approach to transport, housing, innovation, and its commitment to a net-zero economy, showcasing how these initiatives align with the broader goals of sustainability and economic resilience.

In a world increasingly focused on tackling climate change, Greater Manchester’s efforts to create a net-zero economy while simultaneously promoting economic growth serve as a model for other regions. The initiatives being launched will not only address the immediate needs for housing and jobs but will also ensure that future developments are sustainable, environmentally friendly, and aligned with the global goal of achieving net-zero emissions.

As the Development Forum convenes and the interactive map becomes a vital resource for investors and developers, the entire Greater Manchester community stands poised for transformation. The hope is that, by fostering collaboration and innovation, Greater Manchester can create a vibrant, sustainable future that benefits all its residents.

In conclusion, the initiatives launched by Greater Manchester signal a new era of growth that is firmly rooted in sustainability. As we look towards the future, the successful implementation of these strategies will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but will also set a precedent for urban development in the UK and beyond. The journey towards a net-zero economy and a prosperous community has begun, and the commitment from local leaders and the community is stronger than ever.