Etrop Court to start on site in summer

Plans for the next phase of St Modwen's regeneration of Wythenshawe town centre have been approved by Manchester City Council.

The building on Poundswick Lane will be anchored at ground level by Wilkinson and Netto. Manchester City Council's children and adult services and its Wythenshawe regeneration team will occupy 50,000 sq ft of offices above the 35,000 sq ft of shops.

Enabling work is currently under way and it is expected that full construction will start in the summer. The building will be completed in late 2011. The council plans to move staff to the new facilities in 2012.

Michelle Taylor, regional director of St Modwen, said: "A thriving and bustling town centre which provides jobs and vital local amenities has been the vision of our partnership with Manchester City Council since we took ownership.

"This development will help to deliver a significant part of that vision as we build further on the foundations we have been preparing over the last few years."

Later phases of the £100m development will include a new bus station at Forum Square, to create a transport interchange with the Metrolink, which is being extended to Manchester Airport via Wythenshawe. The current bus station site is earmarked for future redevelopment.

Cllr Richard Cowell, executive member for the environment, with special responsibility for transport policy, said: "The improved transport links and building plans mark a major step in the regeneration of Wythenshawe town centre. Our ultimate aims are to make sure the area is a better place for local people and to attract investment and business development in the town. We are working closely with partner agencies and together we can reach these targets."

In addition Willow Park Housing Trust is building its new headquarters in the town centre for 140 staff, which it hopes to finish by the end of this year.