A global property services firm has said Preston, Stockport and Macclesfield are among ‘places to watch’ in 2020.
Caroline Baker, head of Cushman & Wakefield’s Manchester office, said: “Great connectivity, clear vision and strategy, public sector support and increasing interest from developers and investors will come together to demonstrate how smaller cities and town centres can support a new wave of investment in urban centres, creating great sustainable and healthier places to work, live and enjoy shopping, leisure and cultural opportunities.”
Ms Baker predicted 2020 will remain “year of uncertainty” for the property market, despite the Conservative Party’s strong mandate following the general election last month.
She said: “2020 will remain a year of uncertainty in terms of our future relationship with Europe and the rest of the world set within the context of global economic trends and their potential impact on the property market.
“There is however certainty that a number of areas will remain priorities – how we respond to the housing crisis, how we deal with our ageing population and how we respond the renewed focus on the environment.”
She said that town centres will play a “critical role” in responding to these challenges.
“New homes on brownfield sites will take pressure off our Green Belt.
“Concentrating opportunities in well-connected locations and investing in modern energy efficient buildings will reduce our carbon footprint as well and enhancing their viability through enhanced footfall.”
