Article Summary

Introduction

Manchester has earned itself a prominent position on The New York Times’ highly anticipated annual ’52 Places to Go’ list for 2024. 

The city secured the 12th spot on the list showcasing the US publication’s top places to travel to during the year, ranging from butterfly reserves in Mexico to thriving city centre’s like Manchester. 

With a particular focus on Manchester’s music scene, Nora Walsh, award-winning journalist and copywriter specialising in luxury travel, highlighted the reasons for the pick. 

“Music has long been at the core of Manchester’s gritty soul, from Joy Division and the Stone Roses to Oasis and, now, Harry Styles, who is backing Britain’s largest new music arena, Co-op Live, set to open in April.”

“Stars like Liam Gallagher, Eric Clapton and Barry Manilow are booked to inaugurate the 23,500-capacity space, which will complement the reopening of concert halls like the post-punk incubator Band on the Wall and New Century, where the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Tina Turner have all graced the stage.”

Manchester in 2024

This is Manchester’s debut for The New York Times list, so why is the city so appealing in 2024? With highly-anticipated attractions due to open, a host of spectacular events scheduled and continuous regeneration in & around the city, 2024 is certainly an exciting year for Manchester.

Co-Op Live

Due to open in April of this year, the Co-Op Live Arena will host the largest capacity for an indoor arena in the United Kingdom. With huge artists named to perform in the opening year, such as Olivia Rodrigo, Take That and Nicki Minaj, the arena will definitely be a new hotspot in the city, for residents and tourists alike. 

Sports

Manchester is home to two of the biggest football teams in the world, Manchester United and Manchester City, who currently hold the titles of champions of England, Europe and the World, attracting millions of visitors every year. Old Trafford, which is the second largest football stadium in England, and The Etihad Stadium, which originally hosted the Commonwealth Games for Manchester in 2002, are both within 15 minutes of the city centre with incredible transport links between. 

Alongside this, Manchester attracts numerous other sporting events and this year is due to host the World Snooker Tour Championship, Ironman UK and multiple International Cricket Matches.

Regeneration & Investment

To keep up with such fast-paced growth, Manchester is seeing billions of pounds worth of regeneration in the city centre. From green spaces to office buildings, residential developments to transport links, the northern city is constantly growing and improving. In 2024, we will see the completion of various regeneration projects such as Great Jackson Street & Piccadilly East. As well as this, further regeneration will begin at Victoria North, Piccadilly Gardens, NOMA & more.

What does this mean for property investment?

The most substantial impact will be seen in the short-term accommodation sector. With the city gaining heightened attention, a surge in visitors is expected, translating to an upswing in short-term accommodation demand. This not only bodes well for higher occupancy rates but also creates a perfect opportunity for investors to consider adjusting prices, potentially leading to increased rental yields.

The influx of tourists not only benefits the short-term lets sector but also fuels the city’s overall economic growth. As more visitors explore Manchester, there is a consequential need for additional services and amenities, therefore generating more job opportunities. This ripple effect can further attract workers to the city, establishing a positive trajectory for long-term property investment.

Conclusion

In summary, Manchester’s inclusion in The New York Times’ ’52 Places to Go’ list for 2024 signifies a standout year for the city. With the spotlight on its cultural and musical scene, upcoming attractions like Co-Op Live, and a thriving sports culture, Manchester is set to attract increased attention and visitors.

To find out about more of some of the most attractive new-build and regeneration projects that Manchester has to offer, click here.