Sir Howard says Manchester needs to be economically competitive

In his annual address to pro.manchester members, Sir Howard Bernstein said improving employees’ skills and the city region’s transport infrastructure are key to sustaining growth.

He referenced significant anticipated changes to public spending and the need for greater regional control over priorities. He praised the city’s diversified economic base, which has allowed Manchester to be resilient in the face of financial turbulence.

150 pro.manchester members listened avidly to Sir Howard’s address, which not only outlined the challenges ahead but referred to Manchester as a city of opportunities.

Major projects in the pipeline include the creation of a new civic quarter, including 2m sq ft of commercial floor space and the capacity for 10,000 jobs over the next 10 years.

Corridor Manchester was also cited as a headline growth channel and the city’s ability to attract international destination sites was highlighted by the potential relocation of the National Football Musuem.

While Sir Howard described the congestion charge proposal as a ‘political fiasco’, he reiterated the importance of investment in the transport infrastructure, illustrated by the proposed metrolink expansion.

As a pilot city region, Sir Howard emphasised the need for devolution of power to the regional centre in order to empower the city and enable it to control its own destiny.