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Wythenshawe

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Wythenshawe
PopulationExpression error: "(2001 Census)" must be numeric
Metropolitan borough
Metropolitan county
Region
CountryEngland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townMANCHESTER
Postcode districtM22, M23
Dialling code0161
PoliceGreater Manchester
FireGreater Manchester
AmbulanceNorth West
UK Parliament
List of places
UK
England
Greater Manchester

Wythenshawe is a district in the south of the City of Manchester, in North West England.

Wythenshawe has often been referred to as one of the largest council housing estates in Europe,[1] though now a significant proportion of the estate is privately owned housing. The district comprises nine areas: Baguley, Benchill, Peel Hall, Newall Green, Woodhouse Park, Moss Nook, Sharston, Northern Moor and Northenden.

The boundaries of these nine areas have been continuously changed throughout the district's history, and previously known areas such as Brownley Green and Crossacres have since been assimilated into one of the nine areas listed above, though many residents still refer to them by name.

History

The name of Wythenshawe (pronounced /'wiðənʃɔ:/) seems to come from the Old English wiðign = "withy tree" and sceaga = "wood" (compare dialectal word shaw). This name originally referred only to Wythenshawe Hall or its site.

Wythenshawe Hall

For many centuries the Tatton family owned Wythenshawe Hall and much land in what is now Wythenshawe. Manchester Corporation, who were in desperate need of land to house the city's rapidly increasing population, pressured Mr. Tatton to part with the land in 1926. What was once farmland was transformed into one of the largest housing estates in Europe. Wythenshawe and Sale East is now a parliamentary constituency with five wards in Manchester and three in Trafford.

Immediately south of Wythenshawe is Manchester Airport, formerly called Ringway Airport. Before Manchester's Barton and Ringway Airports were laid out, three farm fields lying between Rackhouse Road and Wythenshawe Road in what is now the north edge of Wythenshawe were used as a temporary municipal airfield between April 1929 and early 1930, a converted barn acting as the hangar.

Governance

The area used to comprise its own parliamentary constituency, having been Manchester Wythenshawe since the 1960s and represented by Alf Morris of the Labour Party. Prior to the 1997 election, the boundaries were redrawn and part of the neighbouring area of Sale included in the seat. The constituency is now called Wythenshawe and Sale East. In the same year, Alf Morris stepped down and was replaced by Paul Goggins. It is still a safe Labour seat. Wythenshawe typically returns all Labour councillors in local elections.

Geography

Wythenshawe is situated approximately 8 miles (13 km) south of Manchester City Centre and is the southernmost district within the City Of Manchester boundary.

The district falls under the authority of Manchester City Council.

Economy

Many houses previously owned by the council are now under the control of local housing associations, such as Willow Park in Benchill. Responsibility for the housing stock continues to be transferred from the local council to housing associations in other areas of Wythenshawe as well. The housing associations have invested a great deal into the area and have improved the quality of the local housing stock.[citation needed]

The Civic Centre in Wythenshawe

Several greenfield and greyfield sites have been opened up to developers and there are a great deal of new housing developments within the town.

The town centre was renovated between 1999 and 2002, to include new stores and other new features. The main street now features gates that are locked at night to prevent the vandalism that was seen in previous years. The tunnel going between the multi-storey car park and the large supermarket building now features a mosaic displaying various aspects of the town. The Forum centre, which houses a library, leisure centre and other amenities, has also been renovated in a more youth-centric, modern style.

Notable people

Images

References

  1. ^ Derick Deakin. "History of the Estate". Wythit. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
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