Business leaders are being urged to get on board with ambitious plans for an underground station at Manchester Piccadilly, as city representatives prepare to showcase the region at the global MIPIM property event with promises of an even larger presence this year.
Transformational Transport Vision Takes Centre Stage
The call for private sector support came during the formal launch of the Manchester at MIPIM 2026 programme, held at a city centre venue on Wednesday. Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig emphasised the critical importance of the underground proposal during a panel discussion, telling assembled business and property professionals that their backing would be essential to make the project a reality.
"You can't underestimate the impact the transformation of Piccadilly station could have," stated Cllr Craig, who welcomed the Government's current review of the underground plans with a report expected later this year. "It's as close as we've ever been to being able to service that underground station," she added, before directly appealing to the room: "We're going to need quite a lot of your help to get that project over the line."
Private Sector Partnership Crucial for Success
Tom Stannard, chief executive at Manchester City Council, reinforced this message, highlighting a significant opportunity for commercial collaboration. "There is a real opportunity for the private sector to stick with us on the journey, pardon the pun," he remarked during Wednesday's meeting. He stressed that officials are working diligently on the proposals and that maintaining unity between politicians and business leaders is vital to demonstrate strong support for the scheme.
Stannard argued that the project represents far more than mere infrastructure development, possessing a substantial "multiplier effect" for what it will deliver for the Piccadilly area, Greater Manchester, and the wider Northern region. The envisioned underground hub forms a key component of plans for high-speed rail through the city, intended to serve both the proposed east-west Northern Powerhouse Rail and potential future connections. Beyond improving long-distance links, the station could also evolve into a central nexus for new underground Metrolink tram tunnels.
Manchester Prepares for 'Bigger and Better' MIPIM Presence
The city region is once again organising a substantial delegation to attend the prestigious Riviera property showcase in March, aiming to attract investment and highlight Manchester's commercial achievements. Victoria Braddock, managing director of Marketing Manchester, assured the launch event audience that the city remains firmly committed to promoting itself at MIPIM.
"Last year you couldn't escape Manchester and we're hoping this year will be even bigger and better," she declared. The comprehensive Manchester programme for Cannes will feature discussions on a range of pivotal topics, including:
- The progress and potential of Northern Powerhouse Rail
- The newly established Old Trafford Mayoral Development Corporation
- Regeneration opportunities in other communities such as Stockport and Middleton
This concerted push at MIPIM underscores Manchester's strategic approach to securing the partnerships and funding necessary to realise its transformational transport ambitions, with the Piccadilly underground project positioned as a cornerstone of future growth.
