An extension to Gorton’s public square has now been completed – the final piece of the high street investment project that began last year (2025).
An extension to Gorton’s public square has now been completed – the final piece of the high street investment project that began last year (2025).
New to the expanded public square is a range of accessible play features for young people, further planting and seating – along with a splash of colour to create an attractive space for local people to spend time.
The larger space will also mean events can take place through the year, creating a community focused area that can bring local people together and drive visitors to support local businesses.
The new play features will offer something for ages two through to eleven, including balance beams, bumble bee springers, stepping pods, and a number of different spinning features for different age groups. A colourful and accessible snakes and ladders game will complete the investment, along with new greening schemes and age-friendly benches. Each designed and incorporated as part of Manchester’s journey to become a UNICEF Child Friendly City.
Gorton has seen major investment in recent years, from the opening of the Gorton Hub community space in 2022 and the first phase of the new town square, to investment in the popular market hall – which is ongoing – and ahead to significant affordable housing investment in partnership with Clarion.
Clarion have acquired two sites – the former Peacock Centre and land on Pipewell Avenue – that will see 75 new homes for social rent and shared ownership.
Gorton town square was delivered by north west contractor Warden Construction. The Architect was Halliday Meecham and Landscape Architect Dep Landscape Architecture Ltd.
Find out more about the Council’s investment in the city’s high streets and district centres
Cllr Bev Craig OBE, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“Gorton is a great blueprint for our vision to invest in high streets and district centres across Manchester.
“This is neighbourhood regeneration done right, in the round, investing in public spaces to support economic growth, complemented by community facilities and services in the Gorton Hub, and underpinned by new homes – including significant social rent and affordable housing.
“We are replicating this approach in neighbourhoods right across the city. Moston Lane, Wythenshawe and Withington have each already seen key investment – and Newton Heath is next in line.
“Finishing the public square is a milestone for Gorton - this is about celebrating our high streets as the hearts of our communities – creating spaces our residents want to spend time in.”