This month’s newsletter reflects the confidence and international attention continuing to build around Greater Manchester as a place to invest, innovate and grow. Manchester was recently named the most talked about UK city outside London, reinforcing the city region’s growing global profile and reputation as one of Europe’s most dynamic business destinations.
Across the city region, we’ve seen important developments in both innovation and regeneration. BNY has announced a new AI initiative with The University of Manchester, strengthening Greater Manchester’s credentials in advanced technology, research and financial services.
At the same time, the completion of Waterhouse Gardens on the former Boddingtons Brewery site marks another major step in the ongoing transformation of Manchester’s city centre.
It’s also been a busy period for engagement at home and overseas, with the Invest Manchester team attending UKREiiF 2026 to promote Greater Manchester’s investment pipeline, regeneration opportunities and frontier growth sectors to investors and development partners. We also hosted investors from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Japan for a private Manchester-focused session, where case studies and development opportunities were presented and discussed with the group.
In the weeks ahead, the team will also attend London Tech Week and BIO International in San Diego, showcasing opportunities across life sciences, digital and tech. Looking ahead, major events including the Global AI Summit and the UK India Roadshow 2026 will bring global investors, businesses and innovators to Manchester to explore new partnerships and opportunities, see our upcoming events section for full listings.
Great North Mayors and leaders launch multi-billion pipeline of investment opportunities
Mayors and leaders across the North have launched a multi-billion pound pipeline of investment opportunities, bringing together a coordinated programme of projects designed to accelerate growth, regeneration and private sector investment across the region. The initiative sets out a long term approach to unlocking infrastructure, housing and commercial development at scale, with Greater Manchester positioned as a central driver of the North’s growth agenda. The programme is designed to improve connectivity, boost productivity and attract sustained international investment across priority sectors.
New all-night airport trains to boost Greater Manchester’s night‑time economy
New all-night train services to Manchester Airport have been announced, strengthening late-night and early morning connectivity and supporting the growth of Greater Manchester’s night time economy. The services will operate through the night at key times, improving access for passengers and airport staff while enhancing the region’s 24-hour economy offer. The improved rail provision is expected to increase resilience across the transport network and further support Manchester Airport’s role as a global gateway for trade, tourism and investment.
Manchester becomes most talked about city outside London
Manchester has been named the most talked about city outside London, according to new research highlighting the city region’s rising national and international profile. The report points to Manchester’s performance across investment, culture, sport and media visibility, with the city consistently ranking highly for attention compared to other UK cities. The findings underline the strength of Manchester’s brand and its continued ability to attract global interest, investment and talent across multiple sectors.
S&W underlines growth ambitions with expanded Manchester office
Professional services group S&W has strengthened its commitment to Greater Manchester with a move to a larger city centre office at Pall Mall on King Street. The relocation doubles the firm’s office space, creating capacity for continued growth and supporting its expanding client base across the region. The refurbished Grade II-listed building offers modern, sustainable workspace alongside wellbeing-focused amenities. S&W says the investment reflects its long-term confidence in Manchester, helping attract talent, foster collaboration and deepen client relationships as the business continues to grow in the North West.
BNY announces AI initiative with University of Manchester
BNY has announced an artificial intelligence initiative in partnership with the University of Manchester, bringing together industry expertise and academic research to support innovation and skills development. The initiative includes a £1.5 million investment to advance AI research, develop new applications and strengthen the talent pipeline between academia and industry. It will also create opportunities for students and researchers while supporting the adoption of AI across financial and professional services.
Manchester to host major TV & film industry event
Mythos Manchester will host a major new film and television industry event, designed to champion northern talent and strengthen connections across the UK screen sector. The event will bring together producers, commissioners, creators and industry leaders to showcase the depth of the North’s creative workforce and production capability. It will also support wider efforts to grow the regional screen economy, build new networks and increase access to opportunities across film, TV and digital content production.
Award-winning garden to take root at Mayfield
A new award-winning garden design is set to take root at Mayfield, further enhancing Manchester’s growing green district and public realm transformation. The latest phase of development builds on the wider regeneration of the 24-acre Mayfield site, which includes public parkland, workspace and leisure uses in the city centre. The scheme continues to position Mayfield as one of the UK’s most significant urban green regeneration projects, combining nature, heritage and commercial development.
Middleton MDC takes step forward
Middleton’s regeneration ambitions have taken another step forward following the launch of a public consultation on plans for a new Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC). The proposed MDC would support the long-term transformation of the town centre, helping to deliver new homes, improved public spaces and commercial opportunities. The plans continue Greater Manchester’s use of MDCs to drive regeneration, investment and community-led growth across the city region.
New chair appointed to Atom Valley Northern Gateway MDC
A new Chair has been appointed to lead the Northern Gateway regeneration within Atom Valley, supporting the next phase of one of Greater Manchester’s largest long term development areas. Atom Valley spans three strategic sites across Rochdale, Bury and Oldham, with the Northern Gateway forming a major employment and innovation corridor. The programme is expected to deliver thousands of new jobs and significant new employment land focused on advanced manufacturing and clean growth.
Domis completes Boddingtons Brewery site development
Domis has completed Waterhouse Gardens on the historic former Boddingtons Brewery site in Manchester, delivering a major residential scheme in the city centre. The development provides hundreds of new homes alongside public realm improvements on a landmark brownfield site, contributing to the continued transformation of Manchester’s city centre living offer. The scheme also preserves the heritage of the former brewery site while introducing a new mixed-use neighbourhood.
Panattoni inks HPARK deal
The first deal has been completed at Russell LDP’s 2.1 million square foot HPARK development within Atom Valley, signalling early momentum at one of Greater Manchester’s major industrial and logistics schemes. The site is positioned as a key employment location supporting advanced manufacturing, logistics and innovation-led occupiers. Once fully developed, HPARK is expected to contribute significantly to the region’s employment capacity and industrial growth pipeline.
Council approves plans for Horizon logistics development
Plans for Horizon at Manchester Business Park have been approved by council, supporting the delivery of new commercial space within one of the city region’s key business locations. The scheme will provide modern office accommodation designed to meet demand from growing occupiers across technology, professional services and innovation sectors. It adds further momentum to Greater Manchester’s expanding commercial property pipeline and long term investment strategy.
Contractor appointed to No. 1 Knightsbridge in Stockport
A contractor has been appointed to deliver Amstone’s £150 million No.1 Knightsbridge development in Stockport, marking a key milestone in the progression of the scheme. The development will deliver a high quality residential led scheme in Stockport town centre, supporting ongoing regeneration and private sector investment in the borough. The project forms part of wider plans to increase town centre living and strengthen Stockport’s role within Greater Manchester’s growth strategy.
Upcoming Events
We Invented the Weekend @Salford, UK 6-7 June
London Tech Week (From Manchester with love) @London, UK 8-12 June
Manchester Health Series @Manchester, UK 9 June
Mythos Manchester @Manchester, UK 11 June
Global AI Cities @Manchester, UK 16 June
Trailblazing Tech 2026 @Manchester, UK 18 June
Housing 2026 @Manchester, UK 23-25 June
Knowledge Exchange MMU @Manchester, UK 24 June
AIB-UKI Conference @Manchester, UK 29 June – 3 July
Research & Policy: A day of cross-cutting dialogue @ Manchester, UK 30 June
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