Manchester
The original industrial city, Manchester has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 25 years to become a thriving city region with a population of over three million and a modern, knowledge-based economy.
Comprising the local authorities of Manchester, Trafford, Salford, Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside and Stockport, with over 92,000 businesses and generating nearly £45billion of GVA, the city region is the economic powerhouse of north west England and the fastest-growing economy outside London. Manchester is the financial, creative and retail capital of the north west, home to Manchester Airport – the largest airport in the UK outside London and the North’s intercontinental gateway – and world-class universities with the largest student population in Europe and an international reputation for teaching and research.
Ever since 1830, when the world’s first modern passenger railway opened between Manchester and Liverpool, the region has been at the forefront of transport innovations. This tradition is continued today by the groundbreaking £1.5billion Greater Manchester Transport Fund, which is set to improve the productivity and economic competitiveness of the region by investing in high-quality, attractive public transport schemes. A key driver behind the city’s growth has been its commitment to working with the private sector to achieve shared objectives for the city region, its businesses and residents. Thanks to strong civil leadership the Manchester city region has become one of the major business, retail and leisure locations in the UK, on target to achieve its vision of becoming a world-class city region by 2025.
“We are totally committed to improving our own transport network in Manchester as well as to and from the city. It is imperative that for cities across the UK to thrive and prosper a High Speed Rail network for the UK is necessary. We believe it will further the city’s economic benefits and improve interconnectivity with major cities across the UK and near mainland Europe. Not only will HSR be beneficial to Manchester and other major cities as a tourist destination, it will enhance the country’s reputation internationally as a world-class centre for business, as well as permitting faster, more sustainalbe travel between the UK cities.”
Councillor Richard Leese, Manchester City Council