Strategy

Cityco has initiated a number of strategic projects that look at the long term growth and direction of the city centre, asking the questions ‘Where will the city be in the next ten to 15 years, where do we want to be and how do we get there?’

The Retail Study
Cityco is developing a strategy in partnership with Manchester City Council to ensure the continued growth of the city centre retail sector over the next five to ten years. A study, commissioned by Cityco, is currently being carried out and will entail analysis of retailer representation, floorspace capacity and customer market analysis. This study will form the basis of the next stage of retail development in the city centre, addressing retail trends and looking at the existing market, leading to the development of a framework for large stores and independents alike.

Following this first study, a second stage will be implemented, which will illustrate how the opportunities and demands for the type of retailer and quantity of floorspace could best be accommodated within the city centre. The report will also advise on any other measures that should be considered to support an internationally competitive retail sector.

Public realm
Manchester’s city centre has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last decade. High quality new buildings and strong urban design have created a distinctive and contemporary city centre. Cityco and Manchester City Council are jointly preparing a co-ordinated public space development framework for the city centre and this will strengthen the identity of city centre character areas through developing high quality public spaces. Key priorities are the redevelopment of Stevenson Square and St Peter’s Square, with other priorities, complementing transport investment and connecting key destinations, being identified and actioned in the next 24 months.

The City Centre Strategic Plan
Cityco has also produced the draft City Centre Strategic Plan 2008-12 in partnership with Manchester City Council. The document sets out a vision for the development of the city centre over the next four years, describing the challenges and key priorities for each area within the city centre. The plan has been the subject of wide consultation which has now ended, and is now currently being reviewed and the final document will be available here when it is published.

Regional Centre Transport Strategy
The Regional Centre Transport Strategy highlights the transport needs arising from the transformation of our city centre and outlines the range of major improvements required to the city centre's transport infrastructure, networks and services. Following a consultation period which has now ended, the transport strategy is currently being reviewed and the final document will be available here when it is published.