As an extension to the ongoing improvements being made to Civic’s outdoor spaces, Manchester City Council and placemaker Muse are now inviting the people of Wythenshawe to help shape the future of the former market square.
Sitting between the Metrolink and Civic, the square has served its community well over the years, and now the partnership is looking to transform it into a new space that everyone can enjoy. So, whether that’s local shoppers, visitors coming into Wythenshawe or future residents of the new C2 The Birtles apartments, which will sit alongside the square, the team wants to hear from everyone.
A drop-in event is taking place at Open Space on Saturday 7th March, 10am – 4pm, where residents can pop by to hear more about the plans and share their thoughts. There will also be a range of free family-friendly activities on the day, including face painting, sunflower planting and the opportunity for budding artists to draw pictures of what they would like to see in the square.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said:
“We have been investing in our high streets across the city because we know how important public spaces are to our neighbourhoods. These are spaces to come together, to enjoy events, meet friends and spend a quiet moment. Put simply, our town squares are the very hearts of our communities.
“Wythenshawe is no different. We want the refreshed market square at Civic to be an ambitious centrepiece to the £500m investment in this community. And to do this, we want ideas and feedback from local people. Your town centre, your ideas.”
Joel Chandler, Senior Development Manager at Muse, said:
“Since we started working in Wythenshawe, our priority has always been to engage with local residents, listen to their views and shape our plans around what matters most to them. When we decided to redevelop the former market square, we knew it was essential to understand what the community wanted to see, as after all, they will be the ones using and enjoying the space for generations to come.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the community to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of this space. The plan could include anything from more trees and planting to comfortable benches to relax on. We look forward to meeting residents in March and throughout the spring to hear their ideas.”
There are lots of ways the local community can have their say:
- Meet the team at Open Space on Saturday 7th March (10am – 4pm)
- Fill in a questionnaire on www.wythenshawetowncentre.co.uk
- Complete the questionnaire on the leaflets dotted around the town centre
- Email [email protected]
- Call 0800 689 1095 (Mon –Fri, 9:00am–5:30pm)
- Follow social channels: Instagram @WythenshaweTownCentre | Facebook WythenshaweTownCentre
The first phase of works at Civic are being delivered through £20m of funding provided by the UK Government and a further £11.9m from the Council. Plans include the new Culture Hub which is now taking shape, a bustling food hall spilling out onto the public square and new workspaces for independent start-ups and growing local businesses.
Subject to planning approval, 422 affordable homes for social rent are also planned for Wythenshawe. Located across Brotherton House, Alpha House and C2 The Birtles, the three sites will deliver a mix of apartments and townhouses for local people. All the homes will be high-quality and energy-efficient, with additional outdoor and communal spaces to promote interaction, health and wellbeing.
For more information visit www.wythenshawetowncentre.co.uk
