Withington’s New Public Spaces Revitalise the Community

Pell Frischmann is proud to have contributed to the successful completion of the Withington Public Realm project, commissioned by Manchester City Council (MCC). The scheme is the first public realm improvement undertaken by MCC outside of the city centre.

Located in Withington, between Copson Street and Rutherford Place, the project aimed to revitalise the community and enhance its communal areas through the development of a new public square for events and markets and a pedestrianised high street for retail and hospitality, both showcasing street art, bespoke finishes and high-quality street furniture.

Traffic and street clutter, once prevalent in the area, have also been significantly reduced, allowing the implementation of rain gardens and tree pits, positively contributing to biodiversity and sustainability. This was achieved by closing off Wellington Street to allow for the larger public space outside the Withington Library, reversing the current one-way system down Copson Street and limiting vehicle access to loading and disabled parking only.

Additionally, tree pits and colourful seating were strategically positioned across Copson Street to encourage public use, an effort that proved effective immediately upon reopening.

Pell Frischmann collaborated closely with Manchester City Council, Awscape, the Withington Village Regeneration Partnership and Rosgal to deliver the design for the community, providing the following services:

  • Concept Design
  • Preliminary Design
  • Detailed Design
  • Survey Instructions (Drainage CCTV, Core Testing, GPR, Topographical, Road Safety Audit Stage 1-3)
  • Construction Support (Including weekly site visits)

Kieran Dunkley, our Transport Infrastructure Engineer, said:

It has been a pleasure to be involved in the Withington Public Realm Scheme over the past year and to work closely with Manchester City Council, Awscape & Rosgal. I was fortunate to take on the project after the Preliminary Design stage, and it’s a testament to my colleagues that it was in such a strong position to progress smoothly into Detailed Design. I was also lucky to attend site weekly during the Construction Phase and it was extremely rewarding to see the scheme come to life. Upon completion, several members of the community stopped me to share positive feedback—one even asked to shake my hand—highlighting the real impact the scheme has had on the residents of Withington.

Nichola McHale, MCC’s Programme Manager, said:

I would like to thank the Pell Frischmann Team for getting Withington through so quickly, it’s been a very challenging project given the many constraints, but it shows what can be achieved when everyone pulls together. We are getting some very positive comments from Members, businesses and residents which is testament to the success of the project.

Copson Street and Rutherford Place are now open to the public, and residents are filled with civic pride as they make the most of these vibrant new spaces and admire the artwork adorning the bustling streets.   

© Rosgal