Greater Manchester goes for growth at MIPIM

• Greater Manchester caps successful week at global real estate conference with pitch for growth
• Delegation met global investors at MIPIM to bang the drum for investment opportunities that will deliver for residents
• Unique integrated pipeline approach will channel spending and development to areas with the biggest potential to maximise returns across the city-region

Greater Manchester capped a successful week at Europe’s biggest real estate conference, where leaders have been banging the drum for investment to drive growth across the city-region.

Officials and business leaders met global investors at the event and made the case for investment in the new homes, jobs, and infrastructure that will deliver benefits for residents and lock in growth for generations.

The delegation took part in a range of expert panels on regeneration, real estate, social impact, and fostering inclusive, sustainable growth.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Trafford Council Leader Cllr Tom Ross joined representatives from Manchester United to set out plans for the regeneration of Old Trafford – set to deliver 17,000 new homes, 48,000 jobs, and a £7.3 billion boost to UK plc.

The Mayor and Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Lead for Economy, Business and Inclusive Growth, also discussed how a new Liverpool to Manchester railway can help turbocharge economic activity across the North West.

At the heart of Greater Manchester’s 10-year plans is the creation of a single integrated pipeline for growth, which would target investment at six Growth Locations across the city-region – nationally significant sites with the biggest potential to boost growth and deliver benefits across all 10 boroughs.

The integrated pipeline will bring together transport, housing, innovation, and the net-zero economy to deliver well-connected developments and pave the way for new investment to unlock jobs and growth.

Greater Manchester is also working on a new approach to attract and retain the best regeneration talent – bringing forward a stream of specialists that can tackle challenges ranging from planning to construction law, and architecture to surveying.

Andy Burnham said: “Greater Manchester is the UK’s fastest-growing economy, and it’s only right that we are at the heart of Europe’s biggest investment summit making the case for our city-region.

“With our devolved powers, our new integrated settlement, and our unique pipeline for maximising growth, we’ve got the ingredients that make this the best place to invest – helping us to deliver the new homes and jobs that we need.”

Greater Manchester will also create a single investment pot to target funding at these Growth Locations, using the greater flexibility over finances agreed as part of the Trailblazer devolution deal with government – delivering just enough pump-priming to unleash private sector capital.

ENDS

Article Published: 17/03/2025 09:46 AM