Greater Manchester population set to surge in next 20 years

4th April 2012

Manchester has been on the up in recent years, with the development brought to the city by the Commonwealth Games of 2002 and recent addition of the BBC's MediaCity helping to increase its presence and improve its image.

And with opportunities in the area continuing to attract more people from around the UK, the Manchester Evening News has reported that the population of Greater Manchester will jump by 20 per cent over the next 20 years, taking the number of residents above the three million mark for the first time.

"The more residents we have, the more investment will come into the city, which will benefit existing residents as well as the new ones," said councillor John Merry, leader of Salford City Council.

As such, property in the city could become increasingly lucrative, with Salford Quays apartments receiving a potential boost as the figures show the area will witness the most significant population rise in all of Manchester, increasing from 230,000 to 300,000 (30 per cent).

Indeed, housing the thousands of individuals and families set to move to the city could prove a difficult task, meaning property investment in Manchester will be vital to sustaining the increasing number of residents.

Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester Council, said: "A growing population is the sign of a thriving city."

Given that property prices and population density in London are making the capital seem overcrowded, it is likely to come as little surprise that more people will be looking to other areas of the UK when it comes to finding somewhere to live.

If Manchester is to properly cater for the predicted increase in the number of its residents, economic opportunities will be just as important as an adequate housing stock to properly support its growing population.

"We are very proud that the population of the city is on the increase as for a number of years it was in decline," councillor Merry added.