Manchester Council has set out an ambitious strategy to provide thousands of new homes to cope with a surge in population over the next 15 years. 

The city hopes to provide 5,000 homes within three years and 13,000 by 2019, with a projected need for 55,000 by 2027. 

The strategy, dubbed the Residential growth prospectus, will see the city build new properties, deliver affordable mortgage packages, develop a quality private rented sector, put unused homes back into use and ensure planning policies work towards growth. 

The plan is expected to create 25,000 new jobs in the city over the next three years.

Manchester Council will work with investors to target suitable sites and attract trusted developers.

Jim Battle, deputy leader of the council, said: ‘Manchester’s strategy is about building new homes and creating jobs. We need to act now to meet demand for the future and to do this we need to stimulate investment in building and bring empty homes back into use.

‘The plan is also about creating financial packages that allows households into owner occupation. We believe this combination will not only create homes and neighbourhoods, but jobs, training opportunities and a huge economic boost for our city.

‘The plan is ambitious but in Manchester we have the skills and experience to deliver a strategy that will secure Manchester in poll position as an economic driver for the UK.’