The first phase of the £500m plans to transform Wythenshawe Civic has entered an exciting new chapter, with Manchester City Council and placemaker Muse commencing construction of the new Culture Hub.
The new hub will provide a major boost for budding artists and creative groups and organisations in Wythenshawe, by delivering an environment for everyone to enjoy with access to professional, as well as grassroots culture and creativity.
Sitting within Civic, the hub will include space for food and drink on the ground floor with the first-floor home to a mix of artist studio spaces and flexible areas for workshops, exhibitions, classes and community events.
Wythenshawe locals can also expect a brand-new 40-seater cinema room, which has been included in the design of the Culture Hub following feedback from the local community.
On the second floor, a new 200-seater performance space will provide a backdrop for a diverse range of performances, whether it’s dance or drama, music or modern art, there’ll be something for everyone.
Cllr Bev Craig OBE, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“Listening to local people over the last year and more, we know that Wythenshawe residents want more from their town centre – more things to do, opportunities to spend time in Civic and night time attractions that give the area a lift and attract visitors. This is the drive behind the Culture Hub. A place for local people with an interest in the arts to take part in creative activities, see a show or enjoy the cinema space – right in the heart of their community. This is another exciting chapter in the transformation of Wythenshawe Town Centre.”
Joe Stockton, development director at Muse, said:
“Cracking on with construction at the new Culture Hub is an exciting moment for us and for Wythenshawe as it is the first building in the initial phase of development that will begin to take shape.
“Our aim is to create a space for the town’s talented artists and creatives to come together and give them the facilities and the space they’ve asked for, to put on amazing shows, live performances, and workshops. It’s all part of the wider plan to create opportunities for residents, new homes and jobs, as well as a thriving high street for people to spend time in.
“And this is just the start. We’re looking forward to continuing to bring forward our plans for the food hall, workspaces and wider improvements to Civic over the course of the year.”
The Culture Hub is expected to be completed in 2027 and sits within the first phase of a wider plan to refresh Civic, with £20m of funding from the UK Government and a further £11.9m from the Council.
Construction of the new Culture Hub comes after three separate planning applications for 422 new affordable homes across three locations in the town centre were submitted to the Council in December.
On approval, Alpha House, C2 The Birtles and Brotherton House will see a mix of townhouses and apartments created, all of which will be available for social rent. They will also be high-quality, highly energy-efficient and come with green spaces to promote health and wellbeing.
The homes represent the first phase of housing within the wider masterplan, which will see up to 2,000 new homes created over the next 10 to 15 years.
To stay up to date with the town’s regeneration, local residents are being encouraged to sign up for updates by visiting: Wythenshawe Town Centre | Home