Plans for a new ‘culture hub’ have been given the green light as part of a £500m plan to transform Wythenshawe town centre, with work set to begin in autumn 2025.
The project is a joint effort between Manchester City Council and regeneration specialists Muse, and forms the first phase in the redevelopment of Civic, the town’s central shopping precinct.
Once complete in early 2027, the hub will offer food and drink on the ground floor, a mix of studio and community spaces above, and a 200-seater performance venue on the second floor, intended to support everything from grassroots exhibitions to professional productions.
The Council hopes the scheme will create a new focal point for culture in the area and unlock new opportunities for residents.
“This is a statement of intent of how serious we are about investing in Wythenshawe’s town centre,” said Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development. “We want to build on the destination potential of Civic and widen the offer for our residents to enjoy and participate in the arts right on their doorstep.”
Muse’s senior development manager, Joe Stockton, added: “The feedback we’ve received so far has been really positive, with many seeing the Culture Hub as a creative space where people of all ages can spend time, learn new skills and explore culture in a positive way.”
The Culture Hub is being funded through £20m from the UK Government and £11.9m from Manchester City Council.
Longer-term plans for Civic include a food hall spilling into an expanded public square, new green spaces, and workspace for local businesses. A wider plan also proposes up to 2,000 new homes, including affordable housing, over the next decade.
The council and Muse are continuing to gather input from residents on the wider plans. A public drop-in will take place at the Maker’s Market on Saturday 5th July, as well as at the newly opened ‘Open Space’ consultation unit at Civic.
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