Greater Manchester’s Places for Everyone spatial plan was officially adopted in March this year. Almost 10 years in the making, the plan provides a pivotal roadmap for the future of the region, with the sole purpose of delivering sustainable and inclusive growth.
A collaborative effort by nine Greater Manchester districts, including Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan, the plan’s primary objectives include:
- Job Creation: Fostering economic growth by providing spaces for businesses to thrive.
- Housing: Addressing the housing crisis by planning for new homes.
- Sustainable Development: Balancing growth with environmental considerations.
- Infrastructure: Ensuring that new developments are well-connected and supported.
The framework will support developers and local authorities to deliver the right type of development in each borough, maximising brownfield land and urban spaces while protecting Green Belt land from unplanned development.
It also aims to ensure developments are integrated into Greater Manchester’s transport network, to create a vibrant, well-connected communities.
A long time coming
Since the journey to develop Places for Everyone began in 2014, Greater Manchester’s witnessed above average population growth.
2021 Census figures show the region’s population grew by 6.9% between 2011 and 2021 – higher than the national average of 6.6% and significantly higher than the North West at 5.2%.
Meanwhile in Manchester alone, the population has grown 36.3% over the last three decades (1991 to 2021) – significantly faster than other major English cities.
A central framework and an agreed vision for the future of Greater Manchester was therefore much needed, to ensure its boroughs and urban spaces reflect the needs and aspirations of the region’s current and future residents.
The formal adoption of the plan in March has been widely celebrated across the industry too.
Jeremy Hinds, planning director at Savills, said the plan “is a huge moment for the delivery of growth across Greater Manchester, which provides certainty and clarity to communities and investors at all levels, and paints the picture of how the area will develop over the next 15 years.”
Meanwhile Mark Graham studio lead for Manchester at urban design and landscape architect consultancy LDA Design, said the plan “is about creating thriving and healthy communities where the housing is distinctive and place specific, and all you need is on the doorstep, including good jobs.”
The Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan Document is more than a blueprint; it’s a commitment to a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable Greater Manchester. As we move toward 2039, let’s celebrate this collaborative vision and work together to shape our beloved region.
The plan lays strong foundations for an exciting era in the region with huge opportunities for developers and other organisations operating in the property space. If you’d like to discuss how we could support you get in touch with our team today.