Overview
Manchester’s Chinatown - one of the most historic and culturally significant in Europe - had seen a steady decline in footfall, safety, and public perception. Andrew Edwards (a senior consultant at V4 Services since 2022) led the development of the LOVE CHINATOWN initiative: a cultural regeneration project focused on place activation, community pride, and safety - during his time at Your Housing Group (YHG).
The project revitalised an overlooked garden at the heart of the district, transforming it from a hotspot for antisocial behaviour into a safe, welcoming space for events, reflection, and cultural celebration.
It demonstrates how even the most challenged town centre spaces - affected by safety concerns or negative perception - can be transformed into vibrant, safe, and culturally resonant environments through place-based strategy, partnership working, and community reactivation
The Challenge: Project Goals
To restore public confidence in Chinatown as a safe, vibrant space by addressing criminal activity, celebrating cultural identity, and building stronger connections between local businesses, residents, and visitors.
Key Requirements and Outcomes:
- Enhance community safety through environmental improvements.
- Improve perceptions of Chinatown as a clean, culturally rich area.
- Encourage families, tourists, and residents back into public space.
- Strengthen partnerships between community leaders, the city council, and local organisations.
The Solution
Public Realm & Safety Activation
- The central Chinatown garden had become an area of concern, with dense overgrowth being used to conceal stolen items, knives, and machetes - contributing to a climate of fear and deterring visitors.
- The project stripped back overgrown planting, redesigned the space with clear sightlines, and introduced cultural design elements such as a restored pagoda, pathways, lighting, and planting aligned with traditional aesthetics.
- Worked with Manchester City Council’s community safety team and Greater Manchester Police to coordinate improvements.
Cultural Rebranding and Events
- Developed the LOVE CHINATOWN identity as a unifying brand for the area - used across banners, events, and business-facing materials.
- Reinvigorated the space as a venue for small cultural events, such as Lunar New Year activities, story trails, and market pop-ups.
Business and Stakeholder Engagement
- Re-engaged local business owners (many of whom were initially disengaged) and facilitated partnerships between traders, the council, and cultural organisations.
- Supported grant applications for long-term maintenance and event programming.
Key Successes
- Crime and antisocial behaviour in the garden decreased significantly, supported by police data and resident feedback.
- The garden shifted from a no-go zone to a tranquil, used space, supporting public confidence and a more family-friendly environment.
- Cultural events began returning to Chinatown, with improved footfall and visibility for local businesses.
- The LOVE CHINATOWN brand was adopted more widely, including by schools and community partners.
To find out how V4 Services can help you with your next project, please get in touch.
