Global cities offer model for Greater Manchester’s return to work

Research from business advisory firm Deloitte, suggests global cities such as Barcelona and Sydney offer a model for helping Greater Manchester’s commuters to return to work.

Deloitte’s research, in partnership with Google, found that workers in Greater Manchester were changing their commuting habits as they return to work following the coronavirus lockdown. Public transport usage is down 62% in the city-region, in favour of a 22% rise in cycling.

Even as more workplaces have reopened, more professionals are continuing to work from home following the lockdown, with the number using their workplaces down 56%.

As part of the ‘Build Back Better’ campaign, Deloitte advise that local authorities in Greater Manchester should look to cities around the world to accommodate social distancing and changing modes of transport as residents return to work.

Barcelona has set aside 21 kilometres of new bike corridors by replacing traffic lanes, and has committed €4.4m to adapting public spaces to facilitate more journeys by foot, bicycle or public transport. Amsterdam is encouraging citizens to walk or cycle and reduced speed limits from 50kph to 30kph.

In Sydney, buses are running at 14 per cent capacity, whilst trains will run at 24 per cent capacity. However, six pop up cycleways have been rolled out across the city, extending to 10 kilometres at a cost of $4m.

Measures which could easily be deployed in Greater Manchester include:

• Pedestrianisation of some streets to reduce motor traffic;
• New speed limits on town centre roads;
• Introduction of heavy-duty barriers in busy areas to extend pavements; and
• Maps and information packs for those walking or commuting by bike

Simon Bedford, partner at Deloitte in the North West, said:

Cities across the world are facing one of the most extraordinary challenges in that their city centres will need a complete transformation. Manchester is facing a particularly tricky scenario as it is compact when compared to other European cities, and so we expect to see drastic changes to our roads and public footpaths to allow for social distancing between pedestrians.

“What will be interesting to see is how businesses, large and small, across GM and indeed the UK rise to this challenge and adapt to a potentially new way of life. It is essential that we address these issues quickly in order to minimise the threat that the virus poses to Manchester’s everyday worker, and the spotlight will be on government and local authorities over the next few months as we await to see the measures put in place.”

Sharon Thorne, Deloitte Global Board Chair, said:

The burden is not solely on the councils to make changes, but also employers as many workplaces will require completely new layouts to ensure social distancing measures can be adhered to. Larger office spaces may be required and new attitudes towards flexible working patterns may prove essential to keeping the risk of spreading infection to a minimum. Many businesses will have found success working from home during the lockdown, which will provide further challenges to management teams as they continue to rethink their real estate strategy.”