Local residents, organisations and businesses in Withington Village have shown their overwhelming support for proposals to improve and develop the local area.

Among the key themes that were suggested many responses related to reducing the levels of traffic in the Village, with a view to making the area more pedestrian and cycling friendly.

Strong support was received for reducing the number of junctions on to Wilmslow Road though the Village, along with wider pavements, limiting the number of loading bays on the high street, improve pedestrian crossings and there was significant support was also received around the potential to pedestrianise Copson Street, while ensuring local access.

A common theme of the respondents was around increasing greenery and tree planting in the area, along with more opportunities for public parks and family friendly public spaces.

Improving the look and feel of the high street was high on the agenda, with the wish to see shop front and signage improved, as well as the express hope to attract more independent businesses while it was important to many local people was the conversation and celebration of the Village’s rich history – including the area’s diversity, which should be celebrated.

The Village already has a committed group of local people, keen to see change and improvements in the area.

The Withington Village Regeneration Partnership (WRVP) was set up in 2017 and includes various local groups, including: Withington Civic Society, Love Withington Baths, We Are Withington, Manchester City Council, Southway Housing, and The Christie Hospital.

The WVRP is actively pursuing a community led policy to encourage positive regeneration in Withington and has achieved a number of early wins such as establishing the Withington Walls project, developing a community pocket park, facilitating private sector investment in vacant properties, establishing social media feeds to support local businesses during lockdown and setting up a local traders association – We Are Withington.

In particular, the Withington Walls art project that looked to enliven the high street through exciting artworks on shutters and walls has been very well received as part of the consultation. Their development of a pocket park was also remarked upon during the consultation process as a positive that should be developed further to encourage more public amenity space in the Village.

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