The 1970s-style Civic Centre in Wythenshawe is set to receive a makeover soon, as plans to revamp the dated space are expected to be approved by Manchester City Council.
The proposed plans will see a revamped public square, existing buildings refurbished, and new shops built, including a new food hall that will operate as a grocery for affordable regional producers during the day, and a space for food and drink outlets at night.
The former Co-op department store will be redeveloped into a new creative venue with a cinema screen, studios, performance areas, and a flexible events space, in collaboration with Manchester city centre arts centre HOME.
The redevelopment project could also see the arrival of 1,500 new low-carbon homes, with the aim of creating a sustainable, environmentally friendly town centre for the local community.
According to planning documents the pre-existing business centre will get a makeover too, offering office space for start-ups and tech companies, as well as established local businesses and entrepreneurs.
The project acknowledges Wythenshawe’s ‘Garden City’ heritage – a title the district was given in the early 1920s that referred to it being the largest district in Greater Manchester where people could be rehoused away from the city centre.
Councillor Gavin White, the executive member for housing and development, said: “It’s not an understatement to say that this is a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in Wythenshawe Civic Centre and create lasting change and benefits for these communities.”
The council submitted a £20m Levelling Up bid for the plans in the summer and are due to be given the green light by Manchester City Council shortly.
