Regeneration plans for former shopping centre set for submission

Plans to transform the former Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre into a thriving new neighbourhood will shortly be submitted to Manchester City Council.

Brought forward by Manchester-based PJ Livesey, in partnership with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, the plans look to create a diverse mix of homes and revitalised retail spaces that will create a new beating heart for the community.

Following extensive consultation during 2023, the developer has made a number of changes to the plans, responding to feedback from the local community, including:

• Increasing the amount of outdoor space with an additional 650 sqm of green space and 60 more new trees. Manchester Road has also been made a car free, fully walkable green route through the site, with outdoor seating areas to encourage people to stop and dwell.
• Increasing the amount of retail space with a new ‘Makers Yard’ to accommodate smaller, independent businesses and complement the high street on Wilbraham Road.
• A diverse mix of energy efficient one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, all with access to outdoor space through balconies and gardens and with 20% of the homes being affordable.
• Increasing the amount of public parking and accessible spaces.

Georgina Lynch, Managing Director at PJ Livesey, said: “We spent a long time consulting with local people and that feedback has been really important in helping to shape the plans. We’ve had lots of interest from people wanting to live in the new community but also some who wanted to see more shops at the site.

“We’re really excited to have been able to incorporate the Makers Yard which will provide a mix of spaces for smaller, independent retailers.”

She added: “We think that the final plans strike the right balance between providing much needed new homes, including affordable homes, in line with Manchester City Council’s aspirations for the site, alongside spaces for the community to enjoy like the green spaces and shops.”

Work is due to start shortly to clear the site and dismantle existing buildings following the submission of a prior notice for demolition in December 2024.

The demolition work is expected to last six months and involves preparing the site for the main construction, should the council approve the proposals.

The submitted plans include:

•  262 homes, including 20% affordable homes available through a mix of tenures
• Around 3,500 sqm of public open space
• A new ‘Makers Yard’ and a mix of retail spaces suitable for independent businesses
• Up to 60 new trees across the site with maximised retention of existing trees

PJ Livesey Group launched the second stage of public consultation on the scheme in November 2023, following an initial consultation in July that year.