Plans have officially been approved for a brand-new 'culture hub' in the heart of Wythenshawe's Civic shopping centre, with work kicking off this autumn. It's the first step in a massive £500 million regeneration project, and it's shaping up to be a proper game-changer for locals.
The three-storey creative space will include a buzzy ground floor filled with food and drink spots, flexible studio and community spaces upstairs, and a 200-seat performance venue on the top level, ideal for everything from local art shows to theatre productions.
The project is being brought to life by Manchester City Council and regeneration experts Muse, who are promising a space where "people of all ages can spend time, learn new skills and explore culture in a positive way," according to Muse's Joe Stockton.
Backed by £20 million from the UK Government and £11.9 million from the Council, the Culture Hub is due to open its doors in early 2027. Long-term plans for Civic include a new food hall spilling out into a leafy public square, numerous green spaces, co-working spaces, and up to 2,000 new homes (including affordable housing) across the next decade.
Curious locals can get involved in shaping the vision at upcoming consultation events, including a drop-in at the Maker's Market on Saturday, 5 July and the new 'Open Space' unit at Civic.