[stormkingfan]

Though I've been to Manchester a few times yet don't know much about the city's growth economically, it seems a quite popular city if we're seeing all of these proposals. At least some of which will certainly materialise.

In terms of proximation to get-aways, relatively rural areas of W. Yorkshire and northern Lancashire are very close. A train ride up to Carlisle (for those who like small cities to get away to) is lovely. (did I not mention the Lakes District?)
But for the more urban-minded, as we all know, Virgin high-speeds to and from London are not all that uncommon.