Construction in Manchester is Booming, Crane Survey Reveals

What is the Manchester crane survey? 

This comprehensive report provides an overview of construction activity in Manchester City Centre and Central Salford. The survey analyses various property types, including residential, office, hotel, retail and leisure, student accommodation, education and research facilities, and healthcare. 

The report includes new schemes or significant refurbishments exceeding specific sizes. These include office spaces of 10,000 sq ft or more; retail and leisure areas of 10,000 sq ft or more; residential properties with 25 or more units; education, healthcare and research facilities of 10,000 sq ft or more; and hotels with 35 or more rooms. 

Deloitte Real Estate, a global property consultancy firm, compiles the survey. Data was collected between the 3rd of January 2022 and the 3rd of January 2023. The local Deloitte Real Estate team monitored construction activity and planning permissions, supplemented by extensive field research. Industry contacts and in-house research teams verified the study. 

The survey provides valuable insights into the construction sector, highlighting the areas where growth is occurring. It helps investors and businesses make informed decisions about opportunities available in Manchester and Salford. 

The Manchester crane survey has become a widely recognised barometer of the region's real estate market and is used by investors and policymakers to guide their decisions. 

Highlights of the 2023 crane survey 

According to the latest Manchester Crane Survey, Manchester's construction boom shows no signs of slowing down. The report revealed over 11,000 new homes are being built, ensuring a steady housing supply for the next three years. Moreover, 702,000 sq ft of floorspace was delivered in 2022, with 17 new residential developments under construction – the highest number since 2018. 

A remarkable growth in the office sector 

The study also highlighted the impressive growth in the office sector, with 1.7 million square feet of office space currently underway. Of this, 28% is already pre-let, demonstrating the increased demand in the city. Meanwhile, 25 new projects began construction in 2022, with five new office schemes on site to create 1.1 million sq ft of space. 

Leisure, retail and education sectors on the rise 

The Manchester Crane Survey also revealed that the city's leisure and retail sector is expanding, with 381,000 sq ft of space under construction. In addition, 263,000 sq ft of educational floorspace was delivered in 2022, with a further 306,000 sq ft planned. The take-up for the 2022/23 academic year was faster than ever, achieving 100% occupancy. 

The impact of population growth in Manchester 

Manchester's population has also seen a significant increase, with a 9.7% growth from 2011 to 2021. Based on current construction rates and the occupation of residential development, a further 20,000 people are expected to relocate to the Crane Survey area over the next three years. 

St. John's area emerges as an international tech hub 

Manchester's global competitiveness in the tech sector was also highlighted in the report, with 68% of the 700,000 sq ft of total space brought to market during 2022 located within the St John's area, predominantly pre-let. Tenants such as global media giant WPP and Booking.com have chosen to base their headquarters in this region. 

The crucial role of scaffolding companies 

The scaffolding sector in Manchester is one of the many fields supporting the city's construction expansion. Intelligent Scaffolding, one of the largest scaffolding companies in the North West, is at the forefront of this effort.  

Its contribution to the construction sector in Manchester cannot be understated, and the success of many projects depends on the quality of scaffolding services provided by companies like this. 

Manchester's commitment to creating a thriving environment for residents and businesses is paying off. As construction in Manchester continues to boom, it is evident that the city will remain a hub of economic growth and innovation for years to come.