Manchester has long been known as the capital of the North – a city with deep industrial roots, a rich cultural heartbeat, and a global reputation for music, football, and innovation. It’s a place where heritage meets ambition, where cobbled streets lead to glass towers, and where the energy is as recognisable as the evolving skyline.
This year, a new wave of headlines is proving that Manchester is just getting started. From major investments and blue-chip employers moving to the city, the momentum is impossible to ignore.
Here are seven key headlines underpinning Manchester’s growth, securing its prime position as a top UK investment city.
1. Puma moves their HQ from London to Manchester
Major sportswear brand Puma, has recently announced their upcoming move relocating their UK headquarters from London to Manchester.
Puma has chosen Circle Square, in the heart of the Oxford Road corridor as the base for their new HQ, placing the office on the doorstep of Manchester’s world-leading academic institutions, and top creative talent. Puma will join Autotrader as the latest letting at No. 3 Circle Square alongside Avalere Health, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Roku.
Select Property’s latest investment opportunity, Vita Living Circle Square, attracts and retains the area’s young professional renters, achieving occupancy of 98% and rental yields of up to 7%. Learn more about investing with just a 10% deposit on the development website.
2. Major automotive company, Autotrader, commits to Manchester
The UK’s largest digital automotive marketplace, Autotrader, has also confirmed its move to Circle Square, occupying more than 100,000 sq ft of office space.
Autotrader’s new state-of-the-art workspace will span seven floors; with six floors dedicated to work space, in addition to a private rooftop terrace. The major move confirms Autotrader’s commitment to Manchester, as the city continues to grow as a hotspot for global businesses.
3. Manchester crowned one of Europe’s best cities
A new report has revealed Manchester as one of the best cities in Europe to visit, live, work and invest in in 2025. Described as “England’s worker bee city”, Manchester was praised for a “creative and economic rebirth” that has brought the city significant attention recently.
The report, collated by global consulting firm, Resonance, states: “You’ll be hearing a lot more about Manchester this decade as the historic engine of the English industry shifts into high gear across both culture and development.’ The report also highlighted the major investment opportunities within the city currently.
4. Soho House Manchester will open its doors in October
The internationally acclaimed members-only club, Soho House caters to the world’s top creatives, particularly within the media, fashion and arts industries. The exclusive club offers members access to luxury amenities, including club lounges, spas, gyms, swimming pools, workspaces, cinemas, and bedrooms. The members clubs expand across Europe, North America and Asia, with Manchester selected as the latest city to host a Soho House club.
Establishing Manchester’s position as a world-class creative city, the Manchester club will open in the former Granada studios in October this year, and will feature a rooftop pool, modern gym and plush bar and lounge.
5. Sister: a vibrant city-centre neighbourhood dedicated to science and tech
Transforming The University of Manchester’s former North campus, once home to the historic University of Manchester’s Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), Sister is a vibrant new city-centre neighbourhood dedicated to science and tech.
Steeped in a rich history of science and engineering, Sister is a major regeneration project, taking place across the next 15-20 years. The £1.7 billion investment, previously known as ID Manchester, is a joint venture between The University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech.
With an ambition to further establish Manchester as a world leader in technology and innovation, the first phase of Sister recently completed, with the Renold Building offering a new modern hub for the city.
6. Manchester Airport announces major upgrades
The transformation of Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 is nearing completion, marking the culmination of a multi-billion pound investment and project. The first phase of the expansion was completed in 2021, with the final stage expected to be finalised later this year.
Once complete, the terminal will boast a major departure lounge alongside an array of shops, restaurants, bars, a state-of-the-art security hall, and improved check-in and baggage reclaim facilities. The airport has also just announced significant upgrades to Terminal 3, as the airport dedicates further investment into improving passenger experience.
These transformations will elevate Manchester Airport’s position as a leading global gateway in the North of England, offering world-class facilities for the 30 million passengers that travel through the airport each year, with direct flights to Shanghai, Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
7. The arrival of Ancoats Green
Providing Manchester’s residents with more green space, Ancoats Green is a new, stunning park located in the heart of the city centre. Ancoats Green includes an accessible play area, exciting slides, and open green spaces for the community to enjoy. The new park has also considered local wildlife, with an abundance of wildflowers planted to encourage a nature haven.
Ancoats Green is centrally located, and is just a few minutes from One Port Street, a new residence developed, operated and managed by Select Property, completing later this year in Manchester. One Port Street offers luxury city centre living, boasting rare, sought-after amenities including a stunning swimming pool, rooftop terrace and private dining.
Interested in investing in Manchester?
It’s clear to see why Manchester is well established as one of Europe’s top investment cities, and is on an ever-increasing growth trajectory, attracting greater attention from global investors.
At Select Property, we have a range of Manchester investment opportunities, and this incredible city is home to one of our global offices, with our others located in Dubai, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Our international experienced teams can support your investment journey from start to finish, offering you a fully managed investment from wherever you are based in the world. Contact us for more information on our exclusive investment opportunities.