The development of Manchester city centre is one of the most important stories of 2019, according to Steve Robson writing in the Manchester Evening News.
He says that the city centre has been transformed and the development pace is increasing rapidly. Many office blocks have been built to accommodate the businesses that want office space in Manchester, housing has been developed in the city and numerous leisure businesses, bars and restaurants have opened to cater for the large influx of workers to the city.
In 1990, just 500 people were living in the city centre. This has risen to 60,000 and, by 2025, it is predicted that the population of the city centre will increase to 100,000.
In recent years, new Manchester neighbourhoods have been created, including the Northern Quarter, Spinningfields, St. Johns and Mayfield. The high demand for office space has fuelled the construction of new buildings and the renovation of older properties to provide the high standard of offices that companies require.
At the Mayfield area behind Picadilly Railway station, the first public park in Manchester for 100 years is being constructed. Some older buildings are in disrepair and there is a debate about whether to restore them to conserve Manchester’s architectural heritage or pull them down to build new properties.
The city has been transformed and there are many projects at the planning stage for further offices, residential buildings, shops and leisure facilities to attract major companies to Manchester.
