Muse adds £500m Wythenshawe to regen portfolio
The developer has been picked to breathe new life into what was once the largest council estate in Europe by delivering 1,750 homes over the next 10 years among a raft of interventions.
Muse was pushed all the way by Igloo Regeneration, the other party that made it to the final two in the competition for the £500m regeneration of Wythenshawe.
Phil Marsden, managing director for Muse in the North West, said Muse’s vision for Wythenshawe is “community-centric, climate-resilient, and inclusive”.
“We are extremely excited to be given this opportunity to deliver a vibrant new neighbourhood in Wythenshawe,” he said.
“Our team has engaged closely with the community and listened to local people. We will work with, and build on, what already makes Wythenshawe special. We are committed to addressing the challenges and seek to change perceptions. There is so much to be excited about.”
Muse is a prolific player in the regeneration game and is regularly there or thereabouts when councils are looking to appoint development partners.
The developer is delivering large-scale, publicly procured projects in Salford, Blackpool, Oldham, St Helens, and Stockport, among others – both alone and as part of English Cities Fund.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said Muse’s track record for regenerating towns would pave the way for “genuine transformation”.
“Regeneration is about much more than buildings, it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create jobs, deliver secure and affordable housing, tackle deprivation, strengthen community and create opportunity for the people of Wythenshawe,” she said.
“In the meantime, we are still progressing initial investment at the Civic – including the new public square, culture hub and food hall as a statement of intent around our ambition for Wythenshawe – there’s a lot to be excited about and we’ll keep the local community up to date on progress.”
The regeneration project could deliver 1,750 homes. Credit: via MCC
Manchester City Council acquired the 1970s Wythenshawe Civic Centre from St Modwen in 2022 to unlock the long-waited regeneration of the town centre.
As well as 1,750 homes, the city council’s vision for Wythenshawe features:
- A mobility hub
- The conversion of around 130,000 sq ft of upper floors into employment space
- 20,000 sq ft food and beverage destination
- Expanded retail offer
- New public square as part of public realm refresh
- 2.5-acres of public realm
- Cultural hub.
The city council has also identified several opportunity sites within the red line boundary, which include the former Shell HQ, the old bus station, Brotherton House, Barclays Data Centre, Forum car park, Alpha and Centron House, and the former Gala Bingo site.
Through the construction of sustainable buildings, the joint venture is aiming to make Wythenshawe the country’s first positive energy district.
The procurement exercise was managed on behalf of the Council by Savills and DWF Group.
