Redevelopment of Chorlton’s shopping precinct has been on the cards for many years. Built in the 1970’s, it is fairly typical of its time, and perhaps a bit neglected. But it is well-used, home to a mixture of independents, smallish chains, and a Boots and a Quality Save. Recently, plans for redevelopment have become definite, and the owners of the precinct are soon to sign an agreement with Ask Developments for a large-scale redevelopment of the precinct, and possibly the surrounding area as well.

Although plans have not yet been formally submitted to the council, if rumour is to be believed, the developers intend to include in their plans a large (possibly very large) new supermarket. There is also talk of several high street chains such as ‘Next’ being approached.

A large new superstore and a bunch of clone-town chains could spell big trouble for Chorlton’s character and our local traders, and we are beginning a new campaign attempting to influence the developers towards a different and more sustainable future for the precinct and for Chorlton as a whole.

We need your help! We want to show the developers that Chorlton is different, and doesn’t need or want the ‘One Size Fits All’ clone town shopping centre that exists in so many other towns and suburbs in the UK. Rather than just saying ‘no’ to their plans, we want to present viable, sustainable alternatives that will strengthen Chorlton’s position as a unique, diverse and forward-thinking part of the city.

This is where you come in! If you’d like to get involved, or have ideas you’d like to share, KCI would love to hear from you. Email us at keepchorltoninterestingatgmail.com (You can cut and paste the email address into your email programme, and replace the "at" with an "@"

Much consultation has already been carried out within the community on Chorlton’s future, with Chorlton Civic Society in collaboration with Manchester planning students, producing A Neighbourhood Plan for Chorlton in 2007.

We aim to build on the ideas and imagination obviously present in our community to help present viable, sustainable options for the precinct.