Manctopia: Billion Pound Property Boom

A millionaire developer plans to transform the city's red light district into a fashionable residential quarter, as well as taking charge of organising a fundraising concert for a homelessness charity. In Salford, a single mother finds herself priced out of the area she grew up in, and must find a new home for her two young children.

Local property developer Tim hits a million-pound problem in the mill he's converting into luxury apartments, while less than a mile away Anne and her friends face losing their homes to a giant redevelopment scheme. The homeless support charity Lifeshare has operated out of the Victorian Charter Street Mission for more than 30 years, but redevelopment means they have to move out. Charity boss Judith has the hard task of finding a new city-centre base to serve breakfasts and clothing to the city's rough sleepers. While the charity is forced out, new businesses are re-locating to Manchester every month. Julian and Danielle have moved down from Glasgow to work in IT. They're in a brand new, rental-only apartment skyscraper and are looking to buy a home of their own.

In Manchester city centre, the West Tower is the latest skyscraper to open to the booming rental market. General manager Matt has over 300 apartments to rent out and starts off with free yoga classes in the penthouse to raise the tower's profile. But as towers rise on the skyline, Salford mayor Paul Dennett needs to find a way to build more affordable housing in the city. Homeless people and low-income earners are often forced into shelters or temporary accommodation as the city's affordable housing stock falls short.

At a consultation event, Anna and Donna learn a tower block is proposed near their homes. Donna's elderly father is desperate to know how long they will be able to live in their home.