New public square unveiled in Gorton town centre

The square has been designed following consultation with local people and community groups to create a splash of colour, a multi-functional space with new trees and plants, plenty of seats and space to host events and activities for children. Aa relaxing space for local people and visitors to eat and spend time.

Key features include a flexible space that can host events and pop-up gatherings, a raised market terrace area with seating for people to relax and an upgraded, outdoor trading space for Gorton Market.

Visitors will benefit from a new nature area with significant planting to screen the square from Garratt Way and introduce biodiversity. There is also an imaginative interactive play features for young people with light projections to animate the space.

Improved and safer walking and cycling routes to and through the local area are also included.

The project was funded by the UK Government. The square was built by Warden Construction.

This investment is part of the wider ambition for Gorton, set out in the Development Framework for the neighbourhood, and complements other investment in the local area, including the opening of the Gorton Hub community space in 2022.

The longer-term regeneration proposals for this part of Gorton include hundreds of new mixed tenure homes housing, including significant affordable homes, that will be built on council-owned land overlooking the new square.

Council leader Bev Craig said:  “We are investing in our local communities across the city because we know how important Manchester’s high streets are to the people they serve. This isn’t just about accessing services easily – like health care and shops – this is also about creating pride in our local spaces and neighbourhoods our residents want to live in.

“We know that Manchester people want to live in welcoming, clean and green communities that support businesses, create jobs and provide opportunities for new affordable housing.

“This is what we’re doing in Gorton, Moston Lane, Withington high street and Wythenshawe town centre – and we have our sights set on other district centres, such as Newton Heath in north Manchester, for future investment that will continue our ongoing commitment to investing in the things our local communities want and need.”

Ian Williams, managing director at Warden Construction, said: “Warden Construction is incredibly proud to have played a key role in bringing this vibrant new public square to life for the people of Gorton.

“Seeing this underused space transformed into a welcoming heart for the community, one that complements the existing market and offers opportunities for connection and enjoyment for all ages, is truly rewarding. We believe this thoughtfully designed square will be a cornerstone of Gorton’s ongoing regeneration, and we look forward to seeing it thrive.”