Manchester City Council has given planning approval to major regeneration plans for the former Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre, marking a significant step towards transforming the long-vacant site into a mixed-use neighbourhood.
Developer PJ Livesey, working in partnership with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, will deliver 262 apartments designed to include one, two and three-bedroom homes, each with access to outdoor space through balconies and gardens.
The scheme includes around 20 per cent affordable housing, with 18.5 per cent of these allocated for social rent, and approximately 3,500 sq metres of new public open space, including a fully walkable route along Manchester Road and outdoor seating areas aimed at ‘encouraging people to stop and dwell’.
The plans also provide flexible retail space, including a new ‘Makers Yard’ intended to support smaller start-up businesses, and the planting of up to 60 new trees, with existing trees retained where possible.
Georgina Lynch, managing director at PJ Livesey, said: “This is a landmark moment for Chorlton, marking the transformation of the former shopping centre into a vibrant new hub for the community. Working closely with Manchester City Council, we’ve carefully balanced the delivery of much-needed new homes — including 20 per cent affordable — with the creation of lively, welcoming spaces to shop, relax, and spend time.
“This site is at the heart of Chorlton, and we’re bringing it back to life, cementing the area’s reputation as a truly great place to live.”
The developer has responded to feedback gathered through extensive community consultation in 2023 by refining elements of the scheme ahead of approval.
A start on site is projected for early 2026, beginning with the decommissioning and demolition of existing buildings, including Graeme House, to prepare for construction.
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