Manchester council and developer Muse are set to revitalise Wythenshawe's Civic Centre with a £500m redevelopment project, promising a new cultural hub, food hall, public square, and play park. The ambitious plan also includes new retail spaces and 1,750 homes, featuring affordable housing and supported accommodation.
This Wednesday council leaders approved a strategic business plan, setting the stage for construction to commence in 2025. A key commitment was made to the residents: to involve them throughout the redevelopment process.
This pledge came after Woodhouse Park councillor and Manchester Green Party leader Anastasia Wiest called for greater community engagement at the council's executive meeting. "The thing local residents are concerned about is they will not be adequately consulted," said Cllr Wiest.
"We would like assurance local people will not just be consulted in the standard fashion, but have the opportunity to collaborate in all aspects going forward."
In response, Gavin White, Labour's executive councillor for housing, said: "The ongoing consultation is really important, local residents should be having their say.", reports .
He added, "We have talked to Muse about setting up a community living room which is a shop unit where people can come and look at the plans and have an ongoing dialogue.
"This is a five to 10 year project. We want to take the community with us."
Becca Heron, the council's strategic development director, has pledged: "Residents will be engaged with throughout the process, you have our assurance."
She also confirmed that 'significant intervention and work' is slated to commence at the shopping centre 'over the next 6 to 12 months', signalling what could be the culmination of a 40-year project. Last summer, at a town hall economy scrutiny meeting, Ms Heron disclosed Manchester council's longstanding endeavour to acquire the Civic Centre.
"The council had been negotiating periodically for a number of years, say 40 years, to acquire the lease for Wythenshawe," she remarked. "We were then successful, therefore that freehold provided a great opportunity to establish a strong development platform."
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