As we know, Manchester is building upwards like there’s no tomorrow. Love them or hate them, skyscrapers are here to stay, and they’re making the country (and world) look our way as Manchester becomes a hub for luxury living and corporate life. New research shows there are now 26 buildings in Manchester that are at least 100m tall, and that number places the city in the running for number four in Europe’s tallest.
Barbour ABI’s High Rise Construction Market Report 2026-2030 states: “The UK high-rise construction market is growing, and indications are that it will continue to do so over the next few years. As urban populations continue to rise, the demand for high-rise buildings is set to increase, particularly in metropolitan areas and for residential uses.
“While London remains the epicenter for high-rise developments, there is a notable shift toward other towns and cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow.” The table is topped by Moscow, followed by Istanbul and then London, which accounts for 57% of all tall buildings in the UK.
Manchester’s growing skyline
The Manchester skyline has had quite the sped-up trajectory, and by casting an eye over the city 15 years ago, the North’s hub is practically unrecognisable. From just Beetham Tower, the National Football Museum and the Arndale building being the instantly identifiable markers of the Manchester skyline, the likes of Deansgate Towers, Viadux and One Port Street have risen up to hide those key touchpoints, to eventually meet the expectations of an ever-evolving city.
According to the study, Manchester could loom over both Paris and Frankfurt in the coming months, with forthcoming high-rise building developments boasting more than 200 towers over 50m tall.
Manchester is set to climb the ranks from seventh-tallest in Europe, to fourth with developments including the 76-storey Nobu Manchester, W Hotel and Residences, the redevelopment of the Kendals District, Viadux Phase Two (set to become the tallest residential building outside London), plus a rejuvenation for Salford as land off Regent Retail Park is set to be overtaken by ten high rise towers, the tallest standing 73 metres above the current tallest building in the city region, Deansgate Square.
Regional analysis shows Manchester is catching up
The study also included a Regional Analysis, which proves interesting reading for those of us outside London. It states: “An analysis of the regional landscape for high-rise construction highlights a shift from London-centric projects to increased development in areas such as the West Midlands, Northwest, and parts of Scotland.
“Local government initiatives and investments are fostering new infrastructure and creating opportunities beyond traditional hubs. As a result, cities like Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow are becoming key players in high-rise construction, driven by favourable market dynamics, accessibility to land, and sustainable energy resources.”
See the calendar of new developments coming to Manchester here.