Wythenshawe town centre £500m masterplan goes live

Manchester City Council and Muse have launched plans for a £500m transformation of Wythenshawe town centre. As part of the first phase of development, the partners have lodged proposals to restore Civic – the town’s shopping centre – creating a new culture hub. It includes space for food & beverage, flexible community and studio spaces and a performance space that can host up to 200 people. The project will be funded through £20m capital from the government and a further £11.9m from the council. Works on site are set to start in summer this year, subject to planning approval, with the hub opening in late 2026. Muse was chosen as the council’s delivery and investment partner last year to bring forward the 10-year regeneration programme. The wider masterplan also features construction of up to 2,000 homes. Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We believe our high streets are the arteries that keep our communities alive, which is why we have committed to investing in our local high streets across the city.” Joe Stockton, senior development manager from Muse, said: “Our plans will grow Wythenshawe with the community and for the community, with activity starting to happen very soon. “We want local people to help shape the future of the town, so we’ll be out in the community over the coming months to find out what matters to them.” Image from Muse