GEN9: Beyond the Skyline

For 160 years, Manchester’s architects have shaped a city that never stands still. From mills and civic halls to today’s skyline, eight generations have defined Manchester’s character.

This October, we celebrate that legacy in two ways:

1: An exhibition: “8 Generations, 160 Years”
A visual journey through the architects, buildings, and ideas that made Manchester.

2: GEN9: Beyond the Skyline
A dynamic symposium and conversation about how today’s architects, students, and city-shapers can carry that story forward.

Manchester’s skyline is changing faster than at any time since the Victorian era. The high-rise residential boom has brought new life into the city centre, reshaping how and where people live. The challenge for GEN9 – and for everyone involved in shaping the city – is to ensure this transformation becomes more climate-conscious, sustainable, and community-focused, leaving a positive legacy for the next century.

Why attend?

– Celebrate 160 years of Manchester’s architectural legacy.

– Experience the exhibition of Generations 1–8 who made the city.

– Hear from leading voices across 9 themes in 9 minutes each.

– Join open conversations on the realities and opportunities of Manchester’s future.

GEN9 is for everyone involved in shaping Manchester: Expect bold ideas, challenging perspectives, and a chance to shape what Manchester could become.