Withington welcomes transformed public spaces as high street investment completes

The transformation of two public spaces in Withington, south Manchester, are now complete and formally open to the public following a celebration event this weekend.

The Council has worked closely with the local community to consider what investment and design they wanted for their high street, including a pedestrian-first approach to create a cleaner and more attractive high street, alongside new planting, seating and public space.  

The local community was invited to a two-day festival event over the bank holiday weekend to welcome the completion of the investment work, which focused on areas around Rutherford Place and Copson Street.  

Rutherford Place – new public square 

A new public square outside the local library has been expanded to create a space for small events and a welcoming look and feel for the library with new planting and seating areas, which will also encourage visitors to spend time in the area.  

This space features heritage paving, rain gardens, circular seating, new trees and attractive planters to create a coherent public space. A depiction of an atom is also engraved in the paving celebrating the work of Ernest Rutherford, the pioneering physicist, who was a local Withington resident. 

Davenport Avenue has also been made one-way to limit non-local traffic and the southern section of Wellington Road is now closed off to traffic, promoting a more pedestrian first feel to the high street. The now closed road will be raised to the level of the surrounding pavement to create a pedestrianised feel.  

Copson Street – pedestrian friendly 

The street has been part pedestrianised between Wilmslow Road and Patten Street and the one-way, with time restricted access in place, has been reversed.  

New trees are also in place complemented by a range of new planting and new lighting and colourful seating has also been installed. New artwork by community group Withington Walls also lifts the area and adds to a trail of public murals in the local area. 

The road has been raised to footpath level to create a seamless link to the high street, while general traffic will be banned from this space – other than cyclists, blue badge holders and loading vehicles for nearby businesses. 

The Withington high street project is part of a city wide investment programme to improve Manchester’s local high streets, create high quality district centres and support local businesses to thrive.  

These projects, including similar current projects in Gorton, Moston Lane and Wythenshawe, as well as proposals for Newton Heath have been funded by the UK Government.  

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said:

“Withington village has a strong and vibrant independent spirit, and we know that the local community cares deeply about our neighbourhood. This investment is about celebrating their village and high street, supporting local businesses to thrive and creating a welcoming and safe district centre that residents can be proud of. It’s great to see this investment completed and we hope it’ll be a catalyst for this high street and district centre to continue to go from strength to strength.” 

Council Leader Bev Craig said:

“We know how important our local high streets are to our residents, providing not just local shops but when done well can give a real sense of pride in the area.  

“That’s why we have committed to investing in our district centres across Manchester from Moston to Gorton, Wythenshawe to Withington. I’m pleased to see this investment happen and look forward to delivering further projects likes this across the city.”