Manchester 'will continue to grow' despite drop in new building projects

She has released a statement after Deloitte published its annual ‘Crane Survey’ study, which found 20 new building projects began in the city last year, the ‘lowest level in 10 years’. The number of new starts has fallen for three consecutive years.

Building new offices has slowed dramatically, with last year’s total of more than 1.5 million sq ft under construction a fall of 30 percent since 2020. Residential construction remains strong, however, with the 10,788 homes being built last year broadly in line with figures at the start of the decade at eight percent below.

Labour council leader Bev Craig reacted to the news by saying ‘Manchester is leading the way in construction, but this isn’t just about buildings’.

“The annual crane survey shows that Manchester continues to have a strong and growing economy, and our city and region remains one of the most important engines of growth in the UK – and one of the fastest growing places in Europe,” a statement from Cllr Craig said.

“The survey is a useful litmus test that makes sure that our city continues to thrive, and despite a challenging economic backdrop for much of the country, we are building record numbers of homes – including more affordable housing than at any other point in the last decade – we saw more than 1m sq ft of much-needed office space delivered to market last year alone, with more than 1.5m sq ft under construction, alongside a range of commercial space opportunities. 

“Manchester is leading the way in construction, but this isn’t just about buildings. This is about driving investor confidence to create a long-term supply of development. This is about creating high quality employment opportunities that help our residents to prosper. And it’s about creating a global city that is attractive, welcoming and future proof. 

“The pandemic presented a range of economic challenges for the UK’s towns and cities, and building has broadly slowed. Thankfully Manchester is bucking that trend and we are continuing to attract major business, investment and residential opportunities that will help meet demand and support our city’s ongoing growth.”