RNCM hosts launch of Oxford Road Corridor’s new 10-year strategy
The RNCM was proud to host the launch of the Oxford Road Corridor’s new 10-year strategy, bringing together civic, education, health, cultural, and business leaders from across Greater Manchester to mark an important milestone for the city’s Knowledge Quarter.
The Oxford Road Corridor Strategy 2026 – 2036 sets out a shared vision for the next decade of growth and development across one of the UK’s most significant concentrations of research, innovation, and cultural activity. An independent assessment indicates that planned development across the Corridor could support around 15,800 additional jobs and generate a further £1.9 billion in annual GVA by 2036.
Hosted at the RNCM and chaired by journalist and author Andy Spinoza, the launch event welcomed partners and stakeholders from across Manchester to explore the opportunities and ambitions set out in the new strategy. Speakers and panel members included Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Professor Duncan Ivison, Chair of the Oxford Road Corridor Board and President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, Councillor Garry Bridges, Leader of Manchester City Council, Esme Ward, Director of Manchester Museum, Jessica Bowles, Director of Strategy at Bruntwood, Mark Cubbon, Trust Chief Executive of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, and Professor Malcolm Press, Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan.
Stretching across one square mile south of Manchester city centre, the Oxford Road Corridor is home to a unique concentration of universities, cultural organisations, healthcare providers, businesses, and research institutions. Together, these organisations support more than 104,000 jobs and generate £7.8 billion in annual economic output.
Alongside major physical change, the Corridor has continued to evolve as a vibrant and distinctive part of the city, with a diverse cultural offer central to its identity.
The strategy focuses on how the Corridor can make more of its exceptional concentration of research, talent, and economic activity. It sets out how partners will support businesses and attract investment, while continuing to improve the quality and connectivity of the area.
Future growth will build on established strengths in health and life sciences, digital and technology, advanced materials, and the creative industries.
As a founding partner in the Oxford Road Corridor, the RNCM has played an important role in shaping the area’s distinctive identity, where world-leading research, education, innovation and culture come together to create opportunities for people, communities and businesses.
Professor Linda Merrick CBE, RNCM Principal, said: ‘The Oxford Road Corridor brings together an exceptional concentration of institutions and talent within one part of the city. What makes it particularly distinctive is the opportunity to work across institutional boundaries and connect world-class education and research with Manchester’s wider ambitions.
‘The new Strategy gives us a shared direction for the next decade, and the RNCM is proud to be part of a partnership with such a strong international outlook and commitment to the future of this place.’
