Withington unveils transformed public spaces following high street investment

Two public spaces in Withington have undergone a transformation following investment in the suburb’s high street.

The council says it worked closely with the local community to consider what investment and design they wanted to see in the area, including a pedestrian-first approach to create a cleaner, more attractive high street, alongside new planting, seating and public space.

Over the weekend, a new two-day festival, the Withington Weekender, marked the official unveiling of the new works 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 with new planting and seating areas, hoping to encourage visitors to spend time in the area.

This space features heritage paving, rain gardens, circular seating, new trees and 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.

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, lighting and colourful seating. New artwork by community group Withington Walls also 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.

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.”