Property

Plans to transform Chorlton’s old shopping centre have been green-lit

Things are finally progressing.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 19th December 2025

Yes, after a prolonged period of uncertainty, the plans put together for redeveloping Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre are now moving forward.

Following an extensive consultation period back in 2023 and planning permission having now been approved by Manchester City Council, the transformation of the long-neglected retail complex has been green-lit, and the project will be moving forward even sooner than you think.

As confirmed earlier this week, Stretford-based construction company PJ Livesey will be working in tandem with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund to deliver the major regeneration, which will see even more living spaces and leisure facilities arrive in the already thriving suburb.

Following an official press release on Thursday, 18 December, we’ve now been given a latest glimpse at what the developers are hoping the new Chorlton Cross district will look like.

new chorlton cross plans CGI pics
Credit: Font Communications (supplied)

Plans for the transformation of both the high street and the old Leisure Centre date back to 2023 and even further when taking into account the Council asking the public for their thoughts on what should happen with the area, but Chorlton Cross, specifically, has been the subject of debate for some time.

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The bulk of units in and around the largely forgotten shopping centre are now empty, with just a few hold-outs still clinging on to their space.

You can find countless videos on YouTube, TikTok and other social media platforms of people touring the once bustling but now abandoned main square.

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Now, following extensive feedback from native Mancs and those who have flooded into the South Manchester town over the past decade, the approved plans have now been revealed.

They include:

  • A mix of 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 Rd and outdoor seating areas to encourage people to stop and dwell
  • A mix of flexible retail spaces, such as a new ‘Makers Yard’ suitable for smaller, start-up businesses
  • Up to 60 new trees across the site with maximised retention of existing trees

Manc filmmaker, Bernard Leach – who has been making videos about the region since 2007 – shared a longer look at how the vision for this next chapter in Chorlton‘s residential and retail history is currently shaping up earlier this month.

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As you can see, some sections of the old Lancashire village and ‘cum-Hardy’ parish could look rather unrecognisable sooner than you think.

Should everything go ahead as scheduled, those involved are hoping to get work underway in the New Year, with the ‘decommissioning’ of all existing buildings, including Graeme House, undergoing demolition by early 2026.

With the majority vacating their premises in recent years, it’s fair to say that it’s been vastly underutilised for far too long.

Posting on social media back in September last year, nearby resident Nigel Woodcock wrote: “Serious question, not just councillor-baiting, but can anyone explain why the retail businesses in Chorlton Precinct were booted out before any decisions were made about what’s going to happen to it?

“It makes no sense to me. No plans have even been submitted, so far as I’m aware, so why kick out those businesses and leave it derelict for so long? The land and buildings are actually owned by the combined GM Local Authorities, so one might expect a modicum of political and business nous to be applied.”

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Similar to the new plans being put together for the stretch of land between Castlefield and Salford, most are just glad something is finally happening with the space.

Plans unveiled for new ‘island district’ in Manchester

Commenting on the plans progressing, PJ Livesey’s Managing Director, Georgina Lynch, said in an official statement: “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.”

What do you make of the Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre regeneration plans?

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Featured Images — Nigel Woodcock (via Facebook)/CGI (supplied via Font Comms)

Property

The £1.6m Bolton mansion with the most incredible garden is BACK on the market

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

A mansion that’s up for sale in Bolton is hiding one of the country’s most impressive back gardens.

The home in Lostock, listed at £1,675,000, is up there with the most expensive currently on the market in the borough.

And it’s easy to see why.

Its villa-like structure has five huge bedrooms and three bathrooms, not to mention four reception rooms, a snooker room and bar, an orangery, and a double garage.

The outside spaces / Credit: PLM

But the sprawling property’s most impressive feature lies outside, in its manicured gardens.

The Bolton mansion comes with its own stream – essentially a moat – as well as a waterfall, rockeries, and a fishpond so massive you could almost claim to have your own private lake.

PLM, the estate agency marketing the home, say: “Rarely does a property of this calibre become available on the open market. 32 Willowbank is a magnificent detached family home, crafted to exacting standards with no expense spared and an uncompromising attention to detail throughout. A truly breathtaking residence, it offers luxurious living in one of Lostock’s most sought-after addresses.”

The incredible grounds of the mansion in Bolton / Credit: PLM

There are neat lawns, fancy topiary, and even a charming stone footbridge and a wooden one crossing the water.

Its interiors are pretty lavish too, dripping in marble, polished wood, and chandeliers.

A massive sweeping staircase greets people on arrival in an entrance hall that leads on to the many, many rooms.

The interiors of the Bolton mansion / Credit: PLM

While the building was constructed in 2000, it’s since been renovated throughout.

The listing continues: “Upon entering, guests are welcomed by a spectacular reception hallway, showcasing a bespoke Helical glazed walnut staircase and two striking crystal chandeliers.

“There’s attention to detail continues throughout – from the Siematic kitchen fitted with premium Miele appliances and a Quooker sparkling hot tap, to the elegant reception rooms finished with mood lighting, porcelain and limestone flooring, and designer touches at every turn.”

Of the location, PLM say: “Tucked away behind remote-controlled electric gates off Lostock Junction Lane, this exceptional home enjoys a commanding presence.

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“The newly installed granite driveway, framed by professional lighting, leads through beautifully landscaped gardens featuring a tranquil brook and cascading waterfalls – a fitting introduction to the grandeur that lies within.”

To see more, you can view the home on Rightmove here.

Featured Image – PLM

Property

First look at Heaton Hall’s ‘glittering’ restoration as it prepares to reopen to public

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Some new images have been released showing the inside of the historic Heaton Hall as it prepares to reopen to the public after its extensive restoration.

The impressive Grade I-listed property – also known as the jewel of Heaton Park – has been closed to visitors since summer 2025 for ongoing refurbishment to protect it from further deterioration, improve safety, and safeguard the building for future generations.

On top of that, the Orangery building – which is also set to reopen – has been closed since 2012. 

The heritage-led programme, undertaken by MC Construction Limited, has followed best practice guidance from Heritage England.

Heaton Hall is undergoing a ‘glittering’ restoration programme / Credit: Manchester City Council

To respect the heritage interior, all rewiring, cabling, and other electrical services like improved Wi-Fi and data infrastructure – all of which forms a significant part of the restoration process to ‘future proof’ the building – have been discreetly routed through existing voids and behind skirtings to avoid visible surface wiring, wherever possible.  

The chandeliers have also been returned to their glittering best following intensive works to ‘refurbish and refresh’ the ornate features as part of the major rewiring programme.

As part of the long-term investment into the estate, Manchester City Council also announced ‘significant’ works to the Orangery, with a vision is to bring the building back into use as a high-quality events and dining venue after being vacant for more than a decade.  

The Grade I-listed Heaton Hall is the jewel of Heaton Park / Credit: Supplied

“Heaton Hall is the jewel in the crown of Manchester’s heritage buildings,” commented Cllr Basat Sheikh, who is Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods.

“The Council take its role as custodians of the property seriously and for some years a long-term programme of investment has been underway to protect the building and make sure it is safeguarded and future proofed so that it can be enjoyed for years to come.  

“We know how important this building is to many of our residents and we can’t wait to welcome people back inside.”

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Following the rewiring works, Heaton Hall will be prepared to welcome back visitors later this year with tours organised by the Friends of Heaton Hall. 

The expert volunteers will take small groups through the property, providing visitors with fascinating historical insights about the hall and the various collections within the property.

More information about the tours will be made available in the coming months.  

Featured Image – Manchester City Council

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