Work starts on first phase of £500m Wythenshawe regen
Main contractor Kier is targeting a 2027 completion for a 30,000 sq ft culture hub within the Civic shopping centre, which is being delivered for Manchester City Council and its development partner Muse.
The culture hub is the first phase of MCC and Muse’s transformation of the South Manchester town, an endeavour that also includes provision for 2,000 homes and a CW Studio-designed revamp of the town centre’s public square. The project has received £20m from the government and £11.9m from the city council in financial support.
Construction on the hub has now begun, following the successful demolition of the former Peacock Store.
When complete, the Architectural Emporium-designed hub will include a 40-seat cinema room, 200-seat performance space, artist studios, an food and beverage offering, and flexible areas for workshops, exhibitions, and events.
Manchester City Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig described the work starting as “another exciting chapter in the transformation of Wythenshawe town centre”.
“Listening to local people over the last year and more, we know that Wythenshawe residents want more from their town centre – more things to do, opportunities to spend time in Civic and night time attractions that give the area a lift and attract visitors,” Craig said.
“This is the drive behind the culture hub. A place for local people with an interest in the arts to take part in creative activities, see a show or enjoy the cinema space – right in the heart of their community.
Joe Stockton, development director at Muse, added: “Our aim is to create a space for the town’s talented artists and creatives to come together and give them the facilities and the space they’ve asked for, to put on amazing shows, live performances, and workshops.
“It’s all part of the wider plan to create opportunities for residents, new homes and jobs, as well as a thriving high street for people to spend time in,” he continued.
“And this is just the start. We’re looking forward to continuing to bring forward our plans for the food hall, workspaces and wider improvements to Civic over the course of the year.”
Planning permission for the hub was granted last summer thanks to the efforts of a team that included Lambert Smith Hampton, MZA Acoustics, Mode Transport Planning, The Environment Partnership, and TACE. P.P. O’Connor led on the demolition of the former Peacock store.
You can learn more about the project by searching reference 142287/VO/2025 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.
