Are we set to hit new heights as a city?

HOW PARIS-STYLE VIEWING TOWER COULD ELEVATE STATUS

- By ETHAN DAVIES Local Democracy Reporting Service

MANCHESTER'S skyscrapers are a sign it's not just a northern powerhouse, it's a truly global city drawing more and more people in.

That's the view of many city business, cultural and political leaders - including Andy Burnham - but it's also borne out on-theground.

In July 2025, footfall increased 3 per cent compared to a year earlier, following a 6pc rise between 2023 and 2024. 'Everyone in London' is swapping the M25 for the M60, one new arrival, Amy, said recently, 'because everyone works remotely... there's so much to do, the people are friendly.

The big hook is Manchester's 'buzz' according to Elisabetta Nicoli and Michael Nehrman - an Italian who moved here twice and a German who holidayed this summer - who spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service for the same special report.

And now, Manchester's 'magic' has caught the attention of Magnicity, one of the major attraction firms you might not have heard of.

It runs some of the world's best-known viewing platforms like Paris' Montparnasse Tower, often touted as having a better view than the Eiffel Tower, because visitors can see the landmark from the 1960s modernist block.