Manchester opens new public space with street festival
The transformation of two public spaces in Withington, south Manchester, were celebrated at a public two-day festival on the high street over bank holiday weekend.
With a pedestrian-first approach, featuring new planting, seating and public space, Rutherford Place and Copson Street projects are now complete.
Rutherford Place is a new space for small events, with heritage paving, rain gardens, circular seating, new trees and planters. The project was led by landscape architects Allison Walters and Fran Keith from Awscape in collaboration with transport consultants Pell Frischmann for Manchester City Council.
Copson Street has been partly pedestrianised between Wilmslow Road and Patten Street, with a range of paintings, lighting and colourful seating.
Councillor Gavin White, Manchester’s City Council executive member for housing and development comments:
“This investment is about celebrating their village and high street, supporting local businesses to thrive and creating a welcoming and safe district centre that residents can be proud of.”
The Withington high street project is part of a city wide investment programme to improve Manchester’s local areas.