MANCHESTER. OUR CITY, YOUR FUTURE.
There’s been major growth in key sectors, particularly within the digital and creative industries, professional services, advanced manufacturing.
Despite the challenges faced by cities over recent years, momentum has continued to build in Manchester, with ongoing development and investment. We’ve seen the completion of Aviva Studios (home of Factory International) and the opening of Mayfield Depot and Park. The redevelopment of the Town Hall and Albert Square, and new commercial developments at St John’s, St Michael’s and the former Central Retail Park are just a handful of the strategic projects being delivered.
And our city centre boundaries continue to expand in all directions – up and out – with new communities taking shape in previously unused areas.
Our city is for all. We’re working with UNICEF on our Child Friendly City status, to create a city where children and young people have a say in, and benefit from, local decisions, spaces and services. Our student population – totalling over 100,000 – adds to the vibrancy and talent pool of the city. Our universities are world leaders in key research fields such as computer science, life sciences and art and design.
According to The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2025, the University of Manchester is ranked as number 53 in the world, out of more than 2,000 institutions. The University of Manchester is a leader in contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ranking first in the UK and Europe for social and environmental impact in the 2025 THE Impact Rankings and second globally for the third consecutive year. In fact, it’s the only institution in the world to rank in the top ten in every year the THE Impact Rankings have existed.
Manchester has a rich history and identity through its industrial past and proud tradition of radicalism. The city’s approach to design and culture-led regeneration projects brings these heritage assets to the forefront.
But there are no laurels to rest on here. There’s still more to be done. Manchester city centre is growing. We have momentum, ambition and the determination to succeed. To become a world-leading urban centre, bursting with potential, characterised by our people and with a constant eye on the future. This is just the start.
Manchester Metropolitan University is renowned as a centre of research excellence, with 90% of its research impact seen as world-leading or internationally excellent according to the Research Excellence Framework. The University received overall Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework and its Business School has Triple Crown Accreditation, one of an elite group of global schools that holds this international benchmark of excellence. It’s also consistently in the top five sustainable universities in the People and Planet league based on its environmental and ethical performance.
Manchester’s strong foundations for an innovative and vibrant city centre lie in our long-term and planned approach to regeneration. A unique culture, built on collaboration and strong partnerships, remains crucial to the continued growth of the city. At the heart of this are the strategic regeneration frameworks that guide development in each distinctive neighbourhood within the city centre.
Image: Mark Waugh
MANCHESTER IN NUMBERS
589,670**
Population has increased from 503,000* to 589,670** in the last ten years
* 2011 Census
** 2024 ONS Population figures
120,500+ people
Expanded city centre expected to increase from 100,000 BY NEXT YEAR to 120,500+ people in next five years***
*** Source: MCCFM W2024 (FINAL) Shared Intelligence, PRI, Manchester City Council, Jan 2025
