Manchester Approves Transformation of Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre

Manchester City Council has approved plans to redevelop the former Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre into a mixed-use site featuring 262 new homes, retail spaces, public areas, and green spaces.

Brought forward by Manchester-based PJ Livesey, in partnership with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, the plans will create a diverse mix of homes and revitalised retail spaces that will create a new beating heart for the community.

Following extensive consultation during 2023, the developer made several changes to the plans, responding to feedback from the local community. The approved plans include:

• 262 one-, two- and three-bed apartments, all with access to outdoor space through balconies and gardens
• 20% affordable homes available through a mix of tenures, with 18.5% of these being available for social rent
• Around 3,500 sq metres of public open space, including a fully walkable route through Manchester Road and outdoor seating areas to encourage people to stop and dwell
• A mix of flexible retail spaces including a new ‘Makers Yard’ suitable for smaller, start-up businesses
• Up to 60 new trees across the site with maximised retention of existing trees

Georgina Lynch, managing director at PJ Livesey, said:

“This is a landmark moment for Chorlton, marking the transformation of the former shopping centre into a vibrant new hub for the community. Working closely with Manchester City Council, we’ve carefully balanced the delivery of much-needed new homes — including 20% affordable — with the creation of lively, welcoming spaces to shop, relax, and spend time. This site is at the heart of Chorlton, and we’re bringing it back to life, cementing the area’s reputation as a truly great place to live.”

PJ Livesey is now eyeing a start-on-site date in early 2026 which will initially involve the decommissioning and demolition of all existing buildings, including Graeme House.

The family-run PJ Livesey Group is based in the North West and has spent over 45 years transforming some of the UK’s finest historic properties into new homes and redeveloping brownfield regeneration sites, with bespoke designs for every development it takes on. It was recently announced that the company has been selected as one of Homes England’s preferred delivery partners.