Progress for ‘unique’ 1,500-home Wythenshawe vision
Manchester City Council plans to appoint a development partner later this year to deliver the “once-in-a-generation” overhaul of 40 acres at the heart of the district centre.
A report detailing the vision for a residential-led redevelopment of Wythenshawe’s 1970s civic centre will be heard by the city council’s executive committee tomorrow following a period of stakeholder consultation.
“It’s not an understatement to say that this is a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in Wythenshawe’s Civic Centre and create lasting change and benefits for these communities,” said Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development.
“Since the council acquired the site last year, we have ensured that we have kept up the momentum to bring forward development quickly. “It’s important we keep up the impetus to deliver this scheme.”
The city council bought the 350,000 sq ft shopping centre from St Modwen and has been pleased with the feedback received on its proposals so far.
The online consultation received 279 responses, with 90% strongly supporting the proposals, the authority said.
The main part of the strategy is the delivery of 1,500 homes. A third of these would be built on the cleared former Shell site. Other plots earmarked for residential development include the old bus station and Forum car park.
The regeneration is the subject of a £20m LUF bid. Credit: via MCC
As well as housing, including properties available for affordable rent and shared ownership, Manchester’s plans for Wythenshawe include:
- A mobility hub
- The conversion of around 130,000 sq ft of vacant shops into employment space
- A 20,000 sq ft food and beverage destination
- An expanded retail offer, including a Lidl supermarket
- A new public square as part of a public realm refresh
- A 2.5-acre public park
- A cultural hub delivered in collaboration with HOME
Where possible, the city council intends to retain and reuse existing buildings, in line with its aim of delivering a net zero development.
The authority, which is waiting on the outcome of a £20m bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund for the project, also intends to take advantage of the area’s high-speed fibre broadband connection, which it said could attract new tech businesses, creating jobs and training opportunities.
The Wythenshawe Civic development framework, drawn up by 5plus Architects, Solid Ground, and Savills, as well as the intention to procure a development partner later this year, is due to be approved by the executive tomorrow (Wednesday).
Following public consultation, the city council has given the local community several assurances in relation to the project. These include:
- Assurance that the site will be known as Wythenshawe Civic, the original name when constructed in the 1970s
- To retain the TSB and Halifax branches
- Ensure the Forum Trust remains a key stakeholder
- Ensure adequate parking that is secure and accessible, along with investment in active travel options
- To develop a digital strategy that will support local people with training opportunities.
White added: “Through this development we have a chance to deliver an enviable focal point for Wythenshawe, attracting new business that will support employment growth – and expand the job opportunities into new sectors – alongside quality affordable housing, which will also attract new residents to the area.”
