New public square, a 'wildlife zone' and a car park closing: All the changes coming to Gorton Market

Gorton Market is set to get a new public square — and lose a car park in the process.

The council is seeking planning permission to convert ‘the Tesco/Gorton Market car park into a public realm’, which would be an ‘public informal square divided into separate zones, each contributing to a vibrant and multi-functional community space’. They would include a ‘wildlife zone’ with trees and plants, a ‘social area’ with seating, and a ‘focal point’ featuring a seasonal Christmas tree.

All would be connected by a new path, architects Halliday Meecham said on behalf of the council in its planning application. Adjacent to the new square will be a ‘café terrace’ that will ‘offers a delightful outdoor dining experience with a range of seating options and charming ambiance’ alongside a ‘relaxing seating space’ with ‘comfortable, ergonomic seating’.

READ MORE: Police investigating chaos after Manchester airport video release new image of man they want to speak to

However, to make that happen, the car park will close to motorists. That will result in a loss of 60 parking spaces, planning documents show.

The move is part of a wider bid to turn the suburb’s fortunes around. Early last year, Manchester council gave the green light to a new masterplan for Gorton which outlined regeneration goals like creating more of a night-time economy, building the new town square and expanding the existing market to offer more food and drink.

"This plan will look to really invest in Gorton and build on the recent investment through Gorton Hub,” Coun Gavin White, Manchester executive member for development, said at the time.

"In the area, we've seen a new high school, new housing and a new youth zone as well. So there are some really good things are