Withington primed for revamp
A framework aimed at making the village more user-friendly and guiding future development is to be adopted by Manchester City Council this week.
The Withington Village framework was drawn up by planning consultant Nexus Planning with architect Broadway Malyan, planner WSP and conservation consultant BB Heritage Studio, and aims to reduce traffic and improve areas of public realm.
One of the main elements of the plan is the pedestrianisation of Copson Street, off Wilmslow Road, which is Withington’s main retail street.
Additional plans for both Copson Street and Wilmslow Road include increasing the number of independent businesses that occupy existing units, improving crossings and enhancing the streetscape.
An upgraded public space outside the library at Rutherford Place is also suggested, as is a review of the car parks in the area, including Gledhill Car Park, which could be transformed to provide additional public space, under the plans.
The framework would also underpin several pipeline redevelopment projects, including the redevelopment of the former NatWest bank into flats and the expansion of Withington Baths.
Manchester City Council is to recommended to adopt the framework on Thursday following a period of public consultation on the proposals.
“The framework has received strong support from the vast majority of respondents and has been well received by the community,” a council report said. “It has the potential to transform Withington into a liveable, accessible, vibrant village.”
Withington has seen decades of decline, as have all of the suburbs within MCC boundaries, too much focus on the city centre
By Floyd
Leave well alone you will lose all its village charm
By Jas
Genuine question from a withington resident – Does adopting a framework actually result in any funds being allocated and works going ahead? Or does it just mean there’s a plan in place that might never come to fruition without funding?
By JK
Copson Street could be a lovely pedestrianised street with independent shops and occasional market days
By Mark Tucker
I work in withington and I park in the car park as do many of my customers I nope they don’t charge us for this or turn it in to something else . There are to many takeaways and coffee shops . I remember when there was a timpsons and other good shops people don’t always want to travel into the city centre . Take aways and cafes are everywhere even charity shops the council should stop this many of the people I speak to have said this .withington northenden fallowfield cheadle are all the Same.
By Julie
What charm are you talking about ,the place is filthy there are lots of beggars. People screaming and shouting and drinking . Beggars going in shops asking for money and causing trouble the place needs sorting out. The council have been calling in the shops and told people that work there they are going to sort it out this has been going on for twenty years according to shop members.
By Julie
As a resident of Withington, we do not want to be charged for parking.
Also, how about spending some money on Old Moat Park by installing an outdoor gym, as one has been installed at Chorlton Park in the last month.
By Nily
Leave it as it is, all the money that will be saved can be spent on other things that really need it.
By Sandra winstanley