In Focus - Ian Simpson & Rachel Haugh

Property development is crucial to the regeneration of a city. It's about making the best of your assets, whether buildings or land. Manchester is definitely trying to do that, creating new homes, offices, workspace, hotels. The industry is committed to regenerating the city, and we have amazing assets to bring forward. Development shouldn't be seen in isolation; each site sits in context, and we need to harness the catalytic effects. We often look at frameworks or master plans to understand those benefits. That mechanism is extremely impactful for regeneration, and Manchester is particularly good at achieving it. Ultimately, we're trying to bring forward investment to create jobs and security for citizens. If we make a beautiful, attractive city where people want to live, work, and play, then property development supports that political ambition. In terms of scale and pace, the city has been on a fast track since the 1996 IRA bomb. The population has increased from around 400,000 to 650,000 in that time, but we're only halfway through. Regeneration is about people; we need a population of around 200,000 in the city centre, which could take another 30 to 50 years. That would give a sustainable density similar to central London but less than Barcelona or Paris. Manchester is the capital of the region, driving the economy and allowing the ten boroughs to achieve their best. The focus is on intensification and density in the city centre, but it lets everyone develop their identities. We need to think of Manchester as the key brand for the North West. It's the centre of the Northern Powerhouse and hopefully the levelling-up agenda. If we get a strong core, the ripple effect will impact the outer boroughs, protecting green belts and creating a compact, walkable, sustainable community. The city council has set design standards by embracing change as long as quality is key. Residents and tenants now demand much higher quality, whether in residential amenities or public spaces. We've seen more pedestrianized linkages, new streets, and spaces like Deansgate Square. Quality of public space, built form, and occupiable space are fundamental, and the city insists on that. If we achieve that, they embrace investment and change. For the future, we need more of the same but not be complacent; Manchester is work in progress. Another 25 to 50 years will likely be needed to create a truly sustainable, compact, walkable city that can be a model for post-industrial cities worldwide. What's exciting now is the new wave of regeneration focused on fantastic living accommodation, different types of workspace, and public realm, making a city people want to spend time in. Working in the North West, particularly Manchester, I see the only true public-private partnership existing on the ground. The city council has been Labour-run with continuity, allowing long-term ambition and investment in things like the airport, universities, and the tram system. Developers see that continuity and confidence, and they know decisions are made around quality. There's real synergy between public and private sectors, recognised internationally; we travel to MIPIM with the city council as a Manchester contingent, and that brand is powerful. The public-private connection is well understood and not apparent in other European cities. The city council's transparent ambition and strategy give confidence for long-term involvement. The vision is to create opportunity, jobs, and security for citizens. As architects, we support that vision and try to create a beautiful city. Without that vision, development would be about watching out for yourself, but the development community has a sense of responsibility to the city itself. The built environment is crucial for everyone's future, and we architects take that responsibility seriously. The city's can-do attitude, stability, and continuity of political leadership have given consistency in messaging, which is powerful. The willingness to embrace change, especially after the bomb, has given Manchester an amazing future. In Manchester, the individual can make a difference, and that challenge inspires passion. It's also important to think about the city's diversity and how everyone's contribution is critical for a sustainable community. Looking at the North West region as a whole, we are well positioned to compete internationally. We have fantastic cities with their own characters, connected by infrastructure like trams. If we see the whole region, there's no reason it can't compete for jobs and investment from around the world. We have massive assets: countryside 20 minutes away, a busy hub, universities, and a great workforce. Transport infrastructure is absolutely key, and while government recognises that, funding needs to come forward to harness the true ambition and ability to contribute here in the North West.