The first five years of the strategy
Between 2015 and 2020, Manchester saw:
- Population increase: We're a growing and young city, with more and more 25 to 39-year-olds living in the city centre. The population is about 576,500 and growing by 1% a year – twice the national rate.
- Improved education: Raising standards from primary to further education has been a success. The number of Manchester schools that are ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ is now higher than the national average. And the number of residents with a level 4 qualification was 43.7% in 2019 – up from 39.5% in 2015.
- Increased job opportunities: Manchester’s economy is now stronger and more varied, with the fastest growing sectors providing new investment and opportunity. Jobs increased from 357,000 in 2015 to 410,000 in 2019.
- Health and social care: Manchester has made progress joining up health and social care, bringing better results for residents. The next phase will speed up change.
- Diverse cultural scene: Manchester has a broad range of cultural activities that anyone can get involved in. From 2018 to 2019, 185,943 people and 83% of schools took part in cultural and creative activities – with events in all the city’s wards.
- International outlook: Manchester is an internationally known place to study and a popular place for domestic and international visitors. The ‘visitor economy’, supported by Manchester Airport, has played an important role in our economic success.
We track progress of the strategy each year in the State of the City report.