Described as the most vibrant city in the UK, and a model for the rest of the country, Manchester has been the engine of the North West, driving growth in the midst of a tough recession.
At EG’s Manchester Question Time debate, held in the medieval Baronial Hall, more than 100 of property’s great and good heard how Manchester has been able to retain its status as a world-class city.
They also grilled some of the industry’s leading figures, including Manchester city council chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein, on HS2, Airport City, inward investment, high streets and the residential crisis.
“We place the airport, the university and other key assets at the heart of our strategy and that’s what Manchester’s got right,” Bernstein told the audience.
Bernstein was among a stellar line-up of experts, including Savills head of commercial research Mat Oakley, Midas chief executive Tim Newns, Bruntwood director of property marketing Colin Sinclair, Mills & Reeve partner Anne Fairhurst and former Liverpool Council deputy leader Derek Hatton.
EG editor Damian Wild chaired the debate.
