Plans submitted for new town square in Gorton

A planning application for a brand-new public town square in Gorton has been submitted.

The proposed blueprints would transform 1,9000sqm of underused car park space adjacent to the existing Gorton Market and Tesco, just off Garratt Way in east Manchester.

The space would aim to offer locals and visitors a place to relax and spend time, as well as offering a flexible space that can be used for events and pop-up opportunities.

A raised terrace area would provide seating while also creating a new outdoor area for Gorton Market and other local businesses.

Plans also include a new nature area to increase the biodiversity of the site, imaginative play features for young people and light projection features to animate the space.

An altered road layout will seek to improve safety through traffic calming measures, with new walking and cycling routes set to be added to encourage greener travel.

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “This is a welcome milestone for the Gorton community and represents the delivery phase of our commitment to investment in our local district centres, supporting local businesses to thrive and our residents to take pride in their high street.

“The current Tesco car park is massively underused, and this investment brings a new heart to the Gorton high street, complementing the recent major investment at the Gorton Hub, creating a new town square and green public space where local and visitors can relax and spend time – helping to increase footfall and activity in the local area.”