A taste of Northenden's future

Northenden residents are getting a taste of the future with cosmopolitan flavours and fresh produce giving a flavour of plans for the area.

Manchester City Council will be consulting this autumn on the Northenden Village Local Plan. The plan will take the area's existing strengths and aspires to realise its potential as a vibrant, attractive area with high quality shopping and services.

Momentum has already been established with recent developments including the new Riverside Park, the monthly Farmer's Market and environmental improvements to the main shopping area.

Further evidence of the area's existing vibrancy came with the recent opening of the Palatine Bar and Restaurant in Palatine Road. The family-friendly establishment, which includes both the Aliza Restaurant - which serves Indian and Italian food - and an ice cream parlour as well as a bar has been cited as an example of how Northenden is attracting investment.

Owner Umar Farooq said: "People keep asking me why you have opened such a big place at this time but we've had fantastic support from the people of Northenden. I really feel that there's huge potential in this area which the local business community and residents can help realise."

Councillor Jim Battle, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "It's encouraging to see signs that there is real confidence in Northenden's future. We think that confidence is well founded and we're working hard on proposals to help the area become a real destination within south Manchester."

Northenden has also secured the future of its Farmers Market. The market brings independent traders from Manchester and the Northwest including Wythenshawe Farm to the area to encourage local shopping for locally sourced produce.