“Manchester is the UK’s growth story of the decade,” says Mayor Andy Burnham—and the numbers back him up. Over the past 15 years, Manchester’s population has grown by more than 20%, and its economy has expanded by nearly 50%. Fuelled by investment from US, European, and Asian firms—alongside major UK developers—the city is undergoing a design and construction boom not seen since the post-industrial era. Architecture is at the centre of it all. From city-centre parks to major transport hubs, these are the five key projects reshaping Manchester’s built environment in 2025.
Victoria North: The UK’s Largest Regeneration Scheme
At 390 acres, Victoria North is the most ambitious urban renewal programme underway in the UK. Jointly led by Manchester City Council and Far East Consortium (FEC), the project spans neighbourhoods from New Cross and Collyhurst through to the Irk Valley. The goal: 15,000 new homes over the next 15 years, supported by new schools, healthcare centres, and 46 hectares of green space.
Architecturally, the masterplan is being delivered by a rotating cast of practices, including Hawkins\Brown, FCBStudios, and Maccreanor Lavington, ensuring a varied yet coherent urban identity. The first phase—Collyhurst Village—has already broken ground, with 274 new homes and a new park underway.
The long-term plan will knit formerly disconnected parts of the city back into the centre, with a new riverside walkway, sustainable drainage systems, and low-carbon infrastructure built in from day one. Contractors such as Vinci Construction and Laing O’Rourke are actively involved, with local subcontractors being brought in to keep investment within Greater Manchester.
Co-op Live Arena: Setting a New Benchmark for Entertainment Spaces
Located next to the Etihad Stadium, Co-op Live is set to become the UK’s largest indoor arena. Developed by Oak View Group in partnership with City Football Group and backed by Harry Styles as an investor, the £365m venue promises a capacity of 23,500 and a design-first approach to the live entertainment experience.
The design is led by Populous, the global architecture practice behind Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the O2. Key features include a black-box design for optimal acoustics, premium lounges, and flexible floor space for rapid turnarounds between events. Sustainability is front and centre too: the arena aims to be the UK’s first all-electric venue, powered by renewable energy and using smart systems to optimise performance.
Fit-out is being delivered by BAM Construct UK, with specialist acoustics and AV firms brought in from across Europe. Beyond the music, the surrounding campus is expected to attract food and beverage brands and creative businesses, helping to establish East Manchester as an entertainment district in its own right.
Piccadilly Central: A City Gateway Reimagined
With HS2 still (technically) on the table for Manchester, the Piccadilly Central masterplan is moving ahead regardless, acting as the new front door to the city. Developed by HS2 Ltd, LCR Property, and Manchester City Council, the scheme will open up 14 hectares of brownfield land around the station for commercial, residential, and civic uses.
Design and planning have been led by Bennetts Associates, with input from Aecom and WSP on transport and infrastructure. The architecture is guided by transit-oriented development principles, blending public realm, mixed-use towers, and civic infrastructure. The new boulevard from the station to the Northern Quarter is a key highlight—designed to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists over cars.
Although the HS2 rail link remains in political limbo, commercial demand is strong, with major occupiers eyeing space. Early fit-out packages are expected to go to ISG, Overbury, and Morgan Sindall, all of whom have active supply chains in the region.
NOMA: Blending Heritage and Innovation
Originally a Co-operative Group initiative, NOMA has evolved into one of Manchester’s most exciting tech-focused districts. Spanning 20 acres around Angel Square, the area combines listed buildings and new developments to attract start-ups, creative studios, and innovation-driven tenants. The scheme is now managed by MEPC, with significant investment from Federated Hermes.
Architectural work has been led by Glenn Howells Architects, Sheppard Robson, and Cartwright Pickard, all working to a design code that respects the site’s Edwardian roots while delivering modern, flexible office spaces. Angel Gardens and 1 Angel Square have already become landmarks, while future phases will see a blend of co-living, event spaces, and urban greenery.
Fit-out firms such as Paragon, Modus, and Oktra are active across the site, tailoring Cat A and B interiors for tech occupiers looking for high-spec, agile work environments. NOMA’s draw lies not just in the design, but in its proximity to the Northern Quarter’s cultural scene—a vital ingredient in the city’s talent economy.
Mayfield: Park-Led Placemaking in Action
For the first time in over 100 years, central Manchester has a new public park. Mayfield Park, the centrepiece of the £1.5bn Mayfield regeneration, offers 6.5 acres of green space flanked by commercial buildings, homes, and the reimagined Mayfield Depot.
The project is a joint venture between U+I (now part of Landsec), LCR, and Manchester City Council, with masterplanning by Studio Egret West and landscape design by Gillespies. The depot itself is being transformed into a cultural and events venue, while neighbouring buildings are set to house tenants including the BBC, Bruntwood SciTech, and a cluster of biotech firms.
Contractors like Sir Robert McAlpine and Ardmore have taken on key packages, while fit-out is being handled by a mix of national and local firms specialising in heritage projects. Mayfield is now a blueprint for how landscape-led design can anchor long-term urban regeneration—not just as an amenity, but as a catalyst for investment.
