Oxford Road Corridor launches ten-year strategy for jobs, investment and connections
Oxford Road Corridor's strategy sets priorities through to 2036, with an assessment estimating potential for around 15,800 additional jobs.
A ten-year strategy for Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor sets out plans to support businesses, attract investment and improve connections with surrounding communities. An independent assessment estimates that planned developments could support around 15,800 additional jobs by 2036.
The 2026–2036 strategy covers Manchester’s Knowledge Quarter, a one-square-mile area south of the city centre. It already supports more than 104,000 jobs and produces £7.8 billion in annual economic output.
Business growth and transport connections
Health and life sciences, digital and technology, advanced materials and creative industries are the sectors identified for further growth. The partnership aims to help businesses establish themselves and expand, while improving the area and its connections.
Developments include Sister at the northern end of the Corridor and expansion at Citylabs and Manchester Science Park to the south. The strategy also looks towards changes at Manchester Piccadilly and Oxford Road stations, alongside stronger links with neighbouring communities.
The independent assessment estimates that the development pipeline could generate £1.9 billion in annual gross value added, a measure of economic output. It also estimates 2,200 construction jobs each year.
Access to jobs and culture
Manchester City Council leader Councillor Garry Bridges said attracting further investment needed to go alongside ensuring that people and communities across Manchester could access the opportunities created.
Manchester Museum director Esme Ward said culture shaped why people visited the Corridor and how it connected with communities. She said the strategy recognised its role in supporting creative talent and the wider economy.
Over almost two decades of formal partnership, more than £2.8 billion in public and private investment has been co-ordinated across the area. During that period, more than 60,000 jobs have been created and annual economic output has risen by £4.6 billion.
The strategy was launched at the Royal Northern College of Music and will guide the partnership’s activity and investment through to 2036.