"We've needed change here for a long times

DELIGHT AS TOWN TO BE REVITALISED BY £20M LEVELLING UP FUNDING

- MAISIE LAWTON

A TOWN has been promised £20m funding by the government as residents say this is 'the change they desperately needed.

In Wythenshawe's Civic Centre the heart of Manchester's largest district Richard points to the line of closed-up and derelict shops. "The stores have been closing one by one, including the market," he said.

"We've needed change here for a long time. Hopefully, it's enough to restore and revive the area," the resident of 54 years told the M.E.N.

His words came as it emerged that £20m funding has now been agreed by the Department of Levelling Up, Homes and Communities (DLUHC) to transform the 1970s shopping centre and surrounding areas.

Manchester council's regeneration plans include delivering a new public square, new shops, net zero carbon commercial, community and cultural space, and around 1,600 new homes - including affordable housing - built on council-owned land.

Residents told the M.E.N. they hoped the funding will 'liven up' the town, bringing new opportunities, jobs, and economic activity into Wythenshawe.

"It's depressing and grim here since the majority of the civic centre shops closed," Richard said. "People don't linger here. They come for their shopping and go. We need to brighten and liven up the centre here so it's a place people want to socialise."

Talking about the plans to kickstart redevelopment, Rabbie Promnat, owner of Rabbie's Noodle Hut in the town centre, said: "It's a good idea. It would add to the social, cultural and community aspect"