Let’s Talk Manchester: The next evolution of a global city region
Over the past decade, Greater Manchester has transformed devolution from an ambitious experiment into a proven model of leadership. This was a bold, landmark move – distinguishing Greater Manchester as a city region where a new standard of governance is being shaped by the aspirations of its residents.
Since the devolution agreement was signed in 2014, we can now assess the impact of the decisions made and how they’ve laid a strong foundation for local leadership and innovation. With the commencement of the Greater Manchester Strategy 2025–35, we are entering a new phase where those foundations can be leveraged to drive place-based growth and deliver tangible benefits for every community.
Earlier this month, leaders from across the public and private sectors were brought together at Aviva Studios for the latest event in our Let’s Talk series, delivered in partnership with the British Property Federation. Amongst coffee, breakfast, a fireside chat and a panel discussion, the Greater Manchester Strategy 2025–35 was unpacked to understand how the city region intends to achieve its bold ambitions and define the decade ahead.
The morning kicked off with a compelling discussion between Becca Heron, Strategic Director of Growth and Development at Manchester City Council, and Principal and Managing Director of our Manchester office, Barry Crichton, delving into the vision set out in the new strategy.
This was followed by the main panel discussion, chaired by Nicola Rigby (Principal, Avison Young), unpacking sustainable development, investment, regeneration, labour shortages, infrastructure and nurturing talent. Insights were brought to the table by Andrew McIntosh, Director of Place at Greater Manchester Combined Authority; Hilary Brett, Development Director at Far East Consortium; Abiola Ogunsami, Graduate Development Manager at Muse; and Stephen O’Malley, Chief Executive at Civic.
Devolution as a platform for progress
Reflecting on the last decade, the speakers explored how devolution has played a key role in cementing Greater Manchester’s national reputation, having secured additional powers from central government that have shaped its growth trajectory since its first devolution agreement. The strength of local leadership has ensured the entirety of Greater Manchester is considered in the strategy for the next 10 years, with growth and opportunities not staying tied to the city centre but instead benefiting the wider region.
As Becca Heron explained, this evolution of local powers provides the certainty needed to prioritise long-term goals and unlock viability across housing and infrastructure projects. This extends further than gaining local control of funding but creates the ability to align and maximise its impact. This is what distinguishes Greater Manchester from other city regions across the UK.
The ambition is clear: to translate devolved powers into tangible outcomes for people, communities, and businesses across all ten boroughs.
Creating opportunities for all
Inclusivity was a recurring theme throughout the discussion. The city region’s “People Plan” aims to ensure that every community benefits from economic opportunity, addressing barriers that have historically left some areas underserved. With globally leading universities, Greater Manchester is home to a vast number of “sticky students” – those who choose to stay and work post-graduation. The panel contemplated how to ensure that jobs, attractive workplaces, homes, and competitive salaries were there for students, while also not forgetting those originally from the area.
Speakers emphasised the importance of growing local talent, not just attracting it. Initiatives such as the GM Academy, Regeneration Brainery, and local construction hubs are helping young people access career pathways in development, regeneration, and green industries.
Emerging professionals, including Abiola Ogunsami from Muse, spoke about the value of access and visibility. He encouraged the need for businesses to meet young people where they are, in schools, colleges and the community, to develop an early awareness of the opportunities available for them.
Sustainable infrastructure for a resilient city region
With the promise of 10,000 new homes in the next decade, the question was asked of how we balance infrastructure development with the need for increased green space. To bring this idea to life, at the very core of the city region’s strategic plan is sustainable development practices and a focus on social infrastructure.
As Stephen O’Malley of Civic noted, infrastructure is “more than transport - it’s about how people move, live, and connect within the city.” That’s how a lifestyle is created that attracts people to Manchester and retains residents.
The conversation highlighted the city and wider region’s growing focus on green and blue infrastructure, active travel routes, and climate-resilient design. From Atom Valley to Victoria North, the emphasis is on creating sustainable, vibrant neighbourhoods supported by strategic investment and a shared long-term vision.
Creating and maintaining investor confidence
A clear throughline across the discussion was Greater Manchester’s ability to think long term and to hold steady on its ambitions while adapting to shifting economic conditions. Panellists agreed that this consistency has built a foundation of trust between the public and private sectors, giving investors the confidence to commit for the long haul.
Hilary Brett of Far East Consortium highlighted how this clarity of purpose has attracted international investment: “There’s huge ambition from the city council and combined authority. Having our logo alongside theirs sends a powerful signal to our shareholders that we’re part of a city region with a shared, deliverable vision.”
That sense of shared direction, replicated across all ten boroughs, has created a joined-up ecosystem for growth. It’s an approach that continues to draw innovation into the region, reinforcing Greater Manchester’s position as one of the UK’s most investable city regions.
This was echoed by Andrew McIntosh, Director of Place at Greater Manchester Combined Authority, who talked about commercial development being “as significant as housing delivery” for creating a robust investment proposition for the city region, generating new employment opportunities, delivering local amenities, and anchoring regeneration to economic opportunity.
The city region's rapid growth is evidenced by its 3 million population and £100 billion economy. Looking ahead to where we’ll be in 2035, it’s pivotal that we understand that ambition is not enough to define Greater Manchester’s success. What we need is delivery. Creating a people-centric approach is essential to ensure that growth translates into tangible outcomes that benefit the people who live, work, and build their futures here.
