Introduction
From groundbreaking urban regeneration programmes, to phenomenal success in sporting events, Manchester is undergoing a rapid transformation into a regional powerhouse of sustainable economic growth.
It is famed for having a cosmopolitan and diverse atmosphere. What’s more, the city is a great destination for shoppers and a centre for culture and the arts.
Manchester lies in the North West of England, 165 miles north of London and 35 miles south west of Leeds. It has a population of 385,000 (over five million including the surrounding boroughs) and it’s the third most-visited city in the United Kingdom by foreign visitors - and the most visited in England outside London.
The Greater Manchester area comprises ten metropolitan boroughs: Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan, and the cities of Salford and Manchester.
Population
Reflective of its massive student culture, the city’s largest proportion of residents is in the 20-24 age range, with the 25-29 age group just behind at 55,000.
Economy
Manchester, along with all national and international markets, is currently experiencing the effects of the economic downturn. However, the employment rate for the region’s working-age residents was sixth highest among English regions; at 70.8% in May to July 2009.
Source: Office for National Statistics
Hospitality job opportunities
Manchester’s core business is in the financial sector. However the city has a vibrant tourist industry, so hospitality is also big business. The Commonwealth Games in 2002 brought massive increases in hotel and restaurant jobs and, according to the latest annual figures, tourism has increased.
Quick hospitality stats:
- The 2007/08 figure for the number of overnight visits to Manchester was over 6.5 million, up 6.3% on last year’s figure.
- Tourism’s contribution to the economy grew by 13.9% from 2006/07 to £952million
- Available restaurant and hotel jobs were up from 20,000 in 1998 to 30,000 in 2007
Source: Office for National Statistics
General living
Generally, the south of the city is more expensive, except for student areas like Rusholme. East Manchester, especially the redevelopment near the City of Manchester Stadium, is improving in terms of quality of homes and amenities. The Swinton, Pendlebury and Agecroft areas of Salford are considered quiet and pleasant places to live.
Cheap areas with easy access to the city are Newton Heath, Moston, Blackley and Failsworth.
Property
| Property type |
Average price |
| Detached |
£242,112 |
| Semi-detached |
£147,165 |
| Terraced |
£103,384 |
| Flats |
£140,345 |
Travel and commuting
As well as being well connected to the UK motorway network and having an airport with over 200 direct flights to worldwide destinations, Manchester is also the best UK city outside London for internal transport links, with a Metrolink tram network, bus network, train network and Metro shuttle service.
A Traincard is available as a season ticket and will enable you to make as many journeys as you like anywhere on the train network within the Greater Manchester area. The average price of a Traincard is:
| Weekly |
£23 |
| Monthly |
£78 |
| Annual |
£747 |
Special combination tickets are available for those using both the rail network and the Metrolink tram network.
Source: National Rail, November 2009
Culture, tourism and nightlife
Dubbed “the lifestyle capital of the North”, the city centre boasts over 500 bars and restaurants serving over 30 types of international cuisine.
Manchester also plays host to some of the biggest names in the music industry with its In The City music conference. A daytime music tradeshow by day and showcase for established and unsigned bands at night, the event has helped launch the careers of acts like Radiohead, Coldplay and Foo Fighters.
Other notable festivals and events include FutureEverything (formerly Futuresonic), Manchester International Festival, Gay Pride and the Manchester Jazz Festival.
Eating and drinking
Eating
Manchester’s cosmopolitan culinary landscape is thriving with traditional and international cuisines. Restaurants representing all five continents can be found throughout the city region and they serve everything from Italian to Mexican food.
For an exclusive dining venue, the opulent Vermillion in Miles Platting, in the east of the city is one of the newest additions to the Manchester restaurant scene. The £5million Thai eatery and adjoining Cinnabar has been decorated to incredible standards and offers extensive fish dishes and set banquet options.
Ramsons, in Ramsbottom, Bury, has won numerous accolades for its unique twist on pan-Italian cuisine, including the current Northwest Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year. The intimate restaurant over two floors prides itself on organic produce and a meticulously sourced wine list.
Chefs
Manchester’s array of restaurants owes a lot to its innovative chefs. Some of the most respected chefs in the Manchester city region include:
Drinking
The infamous, hedonistic attitude of Manchester has spawned some of the best drinking establishments in the country. Whether it’s city centre cocktails or cosy country pubs you’re after, the city region has a massive amount of choice.
The award-winning Marble Arch built in 1888 has its own microbrewery, sells organic and vegan beers and serves good, wholesome food.
If outdoor drinking’s your thing, then KRO2, Oxford Road, with its glass-walled, open plan bar and restaurant has one of the city centre’s biggest and best beer gardens and patio areas.
For cocktails, head to The Modern, a sleek and sophisticated drinking and dining experience at the top of one of Manchester’s most iconic city centre buildings — Urbis.
With thanks to MIDAS, the Manchester Regional Development Agency
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