The Liverpool City Region is among the UK’s top four growth spots according to a new study.

Affordability of housing supply is said to be among the key strengths to have put the city ahead of destinations including London, Birmingham and Manchester.

The report by global design and infrastructure consultancy Arcadis analyses the UK’s 24 leading urban economies and measures their growth potential against workforce and skills, place, city brand, infrastructure and business environment as well as housing.

Liverpool is ranked behind Edinburgh, Oxford and Cambridge overall, with fellow North West city Manchester in at number six.

Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has welcomed the report, saying: “This is an encouraging report but in a sense it tells what we already know. External validation is always useful and helps to signal to UK and international investors the huge opportunities that exist within the city and wider city region.

“Devolution gives us a huge opportunity to realise that potential by prioritising the areas identified in this report. Our focus on skills, renewable energy, digital connectivity, transport and housing will further increase our attractiveness as an investment destination.”

Setting the context for the report, Arcadis’ UK cities director Peter Hogg adds: “UK cities are competing for resources and opportunities. Determining future prospects depends on effective and resilient infrastructure, affordable housing, a broad skills base and a quality education system.

“Furthermore, a strong global brand, favourable business environment and unique ‘attraction factor’ add to the potential for long-term prosperity. The ability to attract this combination of social, economic and human capital is at the root of the investability challenge.”

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