A £20m bid to transform Wythenshawe town centre and create a 'town centre fit for the future' has been submitted to the government.
Manchester City Council say the cash, which comes from the government's Levelling Up Fund, would be used to create a culture hub, food hall, new civic square and improved public realm and employment space – as well as helping to fund the decarbonisation of some town centre buildings.
It is also hoped the bid, if successful, would help create thousands of new jobs and affordable homes in the area.
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Councillor Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing and Development, said: “This is a highly competitive bid which can act as the springboard for the transformation of Wythenshawe town centre.
“It’s a confident place with huge potential. Securing this funding would accelerate the change we aspire to see and help unlock wider opportunities for the people of Wythenshawe.”
The proposal says the £20m would be used to create an arts hub, including a cinema and performance space, which would occupy the former Co-op department store. It is also hoped the cash could help fund a new, 'flexible' events space, coworking offices, and a new civic square designed to hold community events.
Decarbonisation plans include the sustainable retrofit of existing building to improve energy performance and reduce carbon emissions, as well as the installation of solar PV cells on rooftop spaces.
Council bosses say progress in Wythenshawe is already evident with the opening of a new Lidl proposed and the Grub street-food food market launching in the area. Proposals for the regeneration of the town's hospital campus are already underway, which councillors say will be 'complemented' by any funding secured.
The bid is part of the council's 'long-term vision' for the area, which they say will transform the town into a "multi-functional and sustainable place to live, work and go out".
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