Inclusive growth in Manchester and Salford: Connecting residents to opportunity

Manchester and Salford have laid out their commitments to promoting inclusive growth in the Economic Strategy for Manchester and the This is Our Salford Corporate Plan, ensuring all residents benefit from the city's economic prosperity. This involves a multifaceted approach, encompassing diverse housing options, an inclusive labour market, and equitable access to education and employment opportunities. 

Creating housing solutions for all 

A balanced housing market is one that caters to diverse needs: 

• Beyond the city centre: New neighbourhoods, developed beyond the inner ring road, offer a mix of housing types and tenures, including affordable housing options. 

• Addressing student housing needs: After facing challenges, the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector is experiencing renewed construction activity focussed on the Oxford Road Corridor, with easy access to Higher Education Institutions.  2,687 bedspaces are under construction (in addition to work commencing on the 3,300 bed Fallowfield Campus, albeit outside of our Crane Survey area), with a new start in 2024 at Deansgate South (Fusion).  Additionally, a further 9,780 bedspaces are either at pre-planning or planning stage within the Corridor alone. However, with student rental costs outpacing inflation, continued development will be required to ensure affordability and equitable access to higher education. Indeed, some developers are already providing a percentage of their offer on an affordable basis in advance of the potential for Manchester City Council to introduce a policy to promote affordable PBSA options within its forthcoming Local Plan Review.  

• Attracting and retaining families: Recognising the need to attract and retain families, Manchester is investing in family-friendly infrastructures, including schools (such as Crown Street Primary School) and green spaces (such as Mayfield Park). However, a disparity remains between the demographics of Manchester City Centre and established adjoining neighbourhoods. Part of the issue may be that families in the UK traditionally prefer to own and occupy larger properties. This is evidenced by BPF by the fact that only 6% of families live in BtR accommodation in the UK (23% when accounting for other forms of private rented accommodation), compared to 35% and 59% for sharers and singles respectively living in BtR products. Analysis of the Crane Survey data also reveals a limited number of three-bedroom market sale properties developed in the city centre over the last five years (1,256 in total), highlighting the need for more family-sized housing options and strategies to address the traditional preference for homeownership among UK families. 

As such, Manchester's Economic Strategy emphasises the development of well-connected neighbourhoods such as Victoria North, Holt Town, Ardwick and further afield that provide residents with: 

• Access to opportunity: Proximity to the city centre and regional employment hubs. 

• Suitable housing: A range of housing options, including family-sized homes and affordable choices. 

• Quality of life: Amenities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. 

Projects like Redbank, Victoria Riverside, Dulwich Street, Gasworks, and Collyhurst Village exemplify this commitment. These developments offer diverse housing options, a greater proportion of affordability, and proximity to green spaces and public transport, connecting residents to opportunity. 

The importance of transport integration 

A robust, integrated transport network is essential for achieving inclusive growth. The Bee Network, with its expansion of the Metrolink and London-style integrated bus system, is critical in connecting residents across all neighbourhoods to employment, education, and essential services. This also encourages residents to make sustainable choices by promoting multi-modal transportation and reducing reliance on private vehicles. 

Collaboration for inclusive growth 

Manchester's Industrial Strategy highlights the significance of collaboration between local developers, housing providers, and the City Council in developing innovative investment and maintenance programmes to ensure these areas remain desirable and equitable places to live and work.  This includes: 

• Creating exemplar developments: Projects like the Northern Gateway and those around the Etihad Campus prioritise social, economic, and environmental benefits for all residents. 

• Promoting high-quality jobs: Ensuring fair working conditions and opportunities for local residents in the construction and related sectors. 

• Minimising environmental impact: Developing sustainable and environmentally responsible neighbourhoods. 

Higher education institutions in Manchester and Salford, with their established community connections and commitment to social responsibility, are vital partners in this collaborative effort. By strengthening links with secondary schools, promoting diverse pathways to higher education, and expanding access for underrepresented groups, these institutions can leverage their resources and expertise to contribute to greater social mobility and create a more inclusive and equitable region.