Everything you want to know about the Wythenshawe regeneration project

A transformative wave of development is set to rejuvenate Wythenshawe Civic Centre, marking a significant milestone in the area’s evolution.

Today, the Council is poised to approve a new development delivery and investment partner, accelerating an ambitious project that aims to breathe new life into the 1970s shopping centre and its surroundings.

This long-anticipated regeneration will create an exciting community hub, featuring a new public square, shops, net-zero carbon commercial spaces, cultural facilities, and over 1,750 new homes.

This mix of housing types and tenures aims to meet local demand, including affordable homes and supported accommodation.

A vision for the future

Earlier this year, the Council secured a £20 million grant from the Levelling Up Fund (LUF), which will be augmented by an additional £11.9 million of match funding.

This financial boost will enable the creation of a new Culture and Creative Hub, a food hall, co-working and enterprise spaces, and enhancements to the town.

With a total investment exceeding £500 million over the next decade, the initial development work is slated to begin as early as next year, setting the stage for a decade of dynamic change.

A new culture hub for Wythenshawe

Central to this transformation is the new Culture Hub.

A professional team has been commissioned to design a sustainable operational model, ensuring the hub supports local people in the long term.

Following a successful feasibility study and initial consultation, the Council will proceed with appointing an operator to manage the hub later this year.

Reimagining public spaces

The landscape design team is at work on plans for a new public square featuring sustainable drainage systems, abundant green planting, and innovative play equipment.

Following the Council’s acquisition of the Civic in 2022, the need for a private sector partner to drive the ambitious development framework became evident.

The formal procurement process has now concluded, and the successful partner will be announced in August.

This joint venture partner will spearhead the regeneration programme, providing upfront project funding, technical expertise, and a commitment to long-term collaboration with the Council to realise the social and environmental benefits envisioned.

How to breathe life back into the area?

In the interim, the Council is working closely with local community organisations to breathe new life into Wythenshawe Civic.

Monthly Makers Markets will debut on August 3, offering a range of independent stalls from crafts to street food, akin to the popular markets in Ancoats and Chorlton.

Additionally, the Civic will host regular bike workshops, offering training, servicing, and sales through the Bike Kitchen.

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, expressed optimism about the project’s impact: “We know this will be welcome news to the people of Wythenshawe as we stand at the dawn of a new era for their town centre. Through strategic investment, we can create opportunities for these communities to share in the economic success of the city.”

“These things take time, but they will be worth it”

Cllr Gavin White, the Council’s executive member for housing and development, added, “Regeneration programmes of this size take time, but the work we are doing now ensures a long-term, sustainable proposal benefiting Wythenshawe for years to come. We are committed to the regeneration of Wythenshawe and can’t wait to show local people what we have been doing and get their feedback.”

As Wythenshawe stands on the brink of a new chapter, the community can look forward to a future where their town centre becomes a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving hub, embodying the promise of regeneration and renewal.

You can find out more about Wythenshaw’s regeneration by clicking here