Colin Thomasson, an executive director, is guiding Manchester’s development. With £1 billion to invest, he sees opportunities in both the city center and its suburbs.
Manchester: The city is buzzing with development. People are always looking up at new skyscrapers and dodging construction sites. It’s a lively scene, for sure.
Developers flocked to Manchester when land was cheap and the council was supportive. Now, the demand for housing has skyrocketed, and they’re cashing in big time.
But here’s the catch: land is running out. As more towers go up, finding space for new projects is getting tricky. Developers are now eyeing areas further out from the city center.
Colin Thomasson is the guy to know. He’s got a billion pounds to play with, thanks to the Greater Manchester Property Venture Fund. This fund is all about making smart investments and boosting the local economy.
Colin thinks the city center will keep growing with more high-rise living. But he also points out that building super tall towers isn’t always the best move anymore.
Costs have shot up, and sometimes it makes more sense to build shorter buildings. The construction industry has seen inflation hit hard, making it tough for developers to turn a profit.
Even with challenges, Colin believes there’s still potential in the suburbs. Places like Wythenshawe are getting attention, but don’t expect a skyline of skyscrapers there.
Instead, he sees taller buildings popping up on the city’s edges. Areas like Hulme might see some growth, but further out, it’s more about low-rise homes and green spaces.
Colin is optimistic about the next few years. He thinks areas outside the city center will start to shine, even if the city’s ambitions are high. There’s still a lot of land to work with, and that’s exciting.
