What Does the Future of Manchester Look Like?

As Manchester continues to redefine itself as one of Europe’s most ambitious and fast-growing cities, the conversations shaping its future have never been more important.

Alex Vogt, Chief Operating Officer at Curtins, recently attended the fantastic Manchester Unspun panel event, arranged by Chris Stott and Adam Posner at KPMG and expertly hosted by Stephen Bell of Turley, where he joined fellow panellists Andrew Hodgson, Katy Lightbody and Katie Tonkinson to discuss what Manchester could look like in 2050 and the opportunities and challenges that will shape the city over the coming decades.

The debate was supported by some excellent artwork from Hawkins Brown, bringing the 2050 vision to life and helping us visualise what the Manchester of the future could look and feel like.

The conversation covered plenty of ground, from transport and infrastructure through to development, investment, innovation, heritage and culture, as well as how Manchester can continue to evolve while retaining the character and identity that makes the city so distinctive.

Several themes came through strongly: the importance of connectivity in driving opportunity for all, making more of the incredible assets and attractions Manchester already has, recognising the vital role of art and culture as the “jam in the doughnut” that brings the city to life and, perhaps most importantly, realising the full potential of Manchester’s people and creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

But perhaps the strongest conclusion from the evening was that Manchester is in the spotlight and right on the cusp of something really special. The opportunity is here, and we need to act now to make the most of it.

For a city that has always evolved and reinvented itself, its next chapter could be its most exciting yet.

Having worked in Manchester for more than 50 years, Curtins is proud to have played a part in the city’s evolution and to continue contributing to the projects and conversations shaping its future.