Developer picked for £500m town centre revamp

A firm has been appointed to kickstart redevelopment in Wythenshawe

A developer has been chosen to push forward a £500m town centre rebuild described as "one of the country’s biggest regeneration projects".

Private construction firm Muse has entered into a partnership with Manchester City Council to redevelop Wythenshawe's 1970s town centre and build more than 1,700 new homes.

Muse, which is involved in similar redevelopment schemes in Salford, Oldham and Stockport, has been appointed to deliver and invest in the project.

Managing director Phil Marsden said the firm would "work with, and build on what already makes Wythenshawe special".

A new public square, shops, commercial spaces and buildings constructed for community and cultural uses have been proposed at a range of site, including a former Co-Op department store.

'Key moment'

The council has previously estimated the project will need more than £500m from investors, with work anticipated to start early next year.

Council leader Bev Craig said Muse's appointment was a "key moment" which would pave the way for "quick progress".

The authority has already committed an initial £30m in public funds to build the new square, a cultural hub, and a food hall in the town centre.

Ms Craig described the move as a "statement of intent around our ambition for Wythenshawe".

She added: "There’s a lot to be excited about and we’ll keep the local community up to date on progress.”