Work to begin on ‘thriving new destination’ in Chorlton

PJ Livesey starting first phase of Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre scheme

An area in Chorlton is about to be turned into a ‘thriving new destination’ with more homes and public spaces on the way.

Plans are in place by PJ Livesey to redevelop the former Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre on Wilbraham Road in a major regeneration scheme. The project was granted planning permission at the end of 2025.

That work is due to start with phase one focused around dismantling the former shopping centre and Graeme House buildings.

Bosses behind the scheme say the first step will be to close the precinct car park at the end May 2026.

New hoardings will be put up around the site, and the cut through via Manchester Road to Nicolas Road will be closed to pedestrians and vehicles for safety reasons.

Demolition of the existing buildings is expected to begin in June and finish in August. Material from the existing buildings are set to be reused during construction of the new neighbourhood, to reduce vehicle trips during the work.

The approved plans include building 262 apartments with a mix of one, two and three bedrooms, all with access to outdoor space through balconies and gardens. A total of 53 affordable homes will be available through a mix of tenures, with 49 for social rent.

That’s alongside 3,500 sq metres of public open space, including a ‘fully walkable route’ through Manchester Road and outdoor seating areas. Among the mix of new shops, there will be a new ‘Makers Yard’ said to be suitable for smaller, start-up businesses.

All the homes in the scheme will be designed and built to reduce energy demand and residents’ bills, bosses said.

The neighbourhood will be all-electric with some renewable energy generation on site and future proofed EV charging.

Up to 60 new trees will be planted across the site, with ‘maximised retention’ of the existing set.

The scheme was brought forward in partnership with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.

Georgina Lynch, managing director at PJ Livesey, said: “Demolition marks another major milestone for the project which will completely transform the former shopping centre.

“Keeping local people safe and minimising disruption is our top priority. We’ve been working with the existing traders to carefully manage any disruption during the demolition.

“This has included arranging new servicing access for the businesses on Wilbraham Road.

“Our demolition contractor will carefully manage any issues throughout the work, and we will continue to stay in regular contact with local residents and businesses as the demolition progresses.”

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