Now exceeding £100 billion in economic output and continuing to outperform national growth rates since devolution in 2015, Manchester’s strength as a regional powerhouse remains evident. This resilience is mirrored in ongoing construction across commercial, innovation-led and residential sectors — each contributing to the city’s long-term expansion.
Investment in life sciences and research infrastructure remains a defining feature of Manchester’s growth, with 458,000 sq. ft. of education and healthcare space currently under construction. This sustained delivery reinforces the city’s position as a leading UK hub for science, technology and advanced research, supporting job creation whilst attracting and retaining highly skilled talent.
The commercial office market continues to demonstrate confidence, with strong demand for best-in-class workspace and an emphasis on quality-led development and refurbishment. More than 80 FTSE 100 companies now have a presence in Manchester, reflecting its growing appeal to major employers. In 2025, 1.26 million sq. ft. of office space was delivered across Manchester and Salford — the highest level since 2008 — whilst take-up reached 1.14 million sq. ft., exceeding the five-year average, reinforcing the city’s position as one of the UK’s most resilient occupational markets (Colliers, February 2026).
Alongside this, continued investment in hospitality, retail and leisure is enhancing Manchester’s experience economy. With 1,621 hotel rooms and approximately 287,000 sq. ft. of new retail and leisure space currently under construction — alongside landmark cultural destinations such as Aviva Studios and Co-op Live — the city’s global profile continues to strengthen as a destination to live, work and invest.
Residential development continues to play a central role in accommodating this growth. Whilst the number of homes currently under construction has fallen to 8,023 — dropping below 10,000 units for the first time since 2016 — Manchester remains the leading regional city for delivery. With employment growth, inward investment and talent attraction continuing at pace, long-term demand for high-quality homes in well-connected neighbourhoods remains firmly supported.
Together, these trends underline the strength and diversity of Manchester’s trajectory. Continued investment across sectors is shaping a city that is evolving with purpose — reinforcing Manchester’s position as one of the UK’s leading cities for growth, investment and innovation.
Source: Manchester Crane Survey, 2026
