In a major urban transformation, the official centre of a Manchester suburb is set to be relocated as part of a multi-million pound regeneration scheme. Council leaders have pledged to create a new focal point for Gorton, moving it away from the busy Hyde Road to a more people-friendly location behind the area's Tesco superstore.
A New Heart for Gorton
The ambitious £60 million plan aims to kick-start comprehensive redevelopment in Gorton. The vision includes a revamped market, a brand new public square, and the construction of hundreds of new homes. The decision to move the suburb's core from Hyde Road to Garratt Way follows a public consultation held in 2023, with local support for creating a quieter, more community-focused hub.
Councillor Gavin White explained the rationale to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. He stated that Gorton has been a key focus for the city's high streets programme, which commits to investing in district centres. "Garratt Way offers a quieter alternative, while still on a bus route, that offers more opportunities for people-centric spaces," he said. "This provides opportunities for local people to spend time and enjoy their neighbourhood."
Homes, Hub, and Market Hall Upgrades
The physical transformation is already underway. Following the opening of the Gorton Hub in 2022 and the conversion of part of the Tesco car park into a public square in Spring 2025, the next phase is in motion. A significant £1.1 million upgrade for Gorton Market Hall is planned. This will see its western side opened up for a new outdoor seating area, complementing a new cluster of food and drink outlets with shared seating and a designated beauty zone.
Furthermore, a major housing deal has been signed with developer Clarion to build at least 400 new homes across 17 sites near the existing Hyde Road area. The first two projects will be a six-storey block providing 70 affordable apartments on the site of the former library, and 35 supported accommodation flats for care leavers on a disused basketball court on Chapman Street.
Long-Term Vision and Community Impact
Councillor White emphasised that the initial investment is just the beginning for Gorton. The council's stated goal is to make every neighbourhood a place residents are proud to call home, supporting local economies and creating jobs in the process. The shift to Garratt Way is designed to move the community's heart away from the heavy traffic of Hyde Road, an arterial route for cars and HGVs, towards a space built for people.
This large-scale regeneration represents a tangible commitment to the area, blending public realm improvements, commercial investment, and a significant boost to affordable housing. The creation of a new town square and community hub aims to foster local pride and provide a sustainable, attractive centre for Gorton's future.
