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.
Another day, another muse article on PNW – amazed to see them actually building something to be fair!!
By L
Is this £32m of grant money well spent?
By Anon
Another example of a developer reliant on grant money to realise profit. Make it make sense.
By Baffled
I live in Wythenshawe and I would like to know when we will be getting a market and when will you lower the rents on the shops so they can be let out as there are so many shop empty
By Paula Rogers
Hope this will include public toilets!
By Anonymous
I wonder if the local radio station, WFM 97.2 that’s been in civic over 20 years will have a space trip call their own!!
By Anonymous
A culture hub in Wythenshawe, you couldn’t make it up. What is needed there is a job centre and closing of the dole office, not wasted investments in facilities that will be vandalised within 10 minutes.
By RP
Half billion of pounds to spent on those town I’m not sure what is it coz it ain’t skyscrapers but seem tough town in Wythenshawe most people are dole and most crime this area to be honest I’m not sure about half billion of pounds to spend on those areas.
By G J Kitchener
Some of the comments on here are just unbelievable. So you moan about people being on the dole, but then criticise when the Council/Muse improve the town centre to attract more businesses, which will ultimately create more jobs and prospects for people. Take five minutes (instead of mindlessly commenting on here) and look up the word ‘regeneration’. You’ll probably learn a lot and it might even expand you narrow minds a little. Here’s hoping!
By Steve
Paula Rogers – if people want more shops and a market they need to stop shopping online. It’s simple if people continue to use the likes of Amazon the shopping experience as we used to know it is dead. The development in Wythenshawe civic centre makes good use of a vacant unit and will attract people who may shop in the remaining shop in the centre. A win win.
By Anonymous
RP why shouldn’t Wythenshawe have a cultural centre? I remember the forum theatre in Wythenshawe which showed great productions which many local people and schools attended. I’m sure this hub will be a great success.
By Anonymous
If there is to be a new Cultural Hub then what is happening to the Wythenshawe Forum in the town centre which, for the last 20 years, has provided space for a range of community and cultural activities? Are there plans to close the Forum when this new Cultural Hub opens?
By Anonymous