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

The council is seeking planning permission to convert a section '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'.

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

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 happening in Gorton.

"The plan talks about 400 new homes, a new town square, making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists and adding to the retail offer that's there for local residents. And to build on Gorton Market and really seeing the fantastic offer that's already there expand and be used for the wider community."

However, since the blueprint was unveiled, market traders have hit out at hiked-up service charges — some by more than £400 per month. In May, the council was forced to deny it had plans to close down Gorton Market in the wake of the row.

"The council has no intention of closing the market and will continue to operate the service in a way that preserves its place in the community," a spokesperson said. "Across our entire Markets service, numerous traders have been provided with a range of support, including discounts on charges, in order to allow them to continue operating.

"The council has for a number of years worked very hard to keep rents and costs down to ensure that businesses can continue to trade. But as the service is run on a cost-recovery model steps have to be made to ensure that the service is run on sound financial principles."