Work to pedestrianize the center of a Manchester suburb and transform it into a public square that “residents can be proud of” will start next week.

The project in Withington starts on Monday and will see part of Wellington Road closed outside the area’s library to create a larger public space.

Manchester City Council’s scheme will also include the partial pedestrianization of nearby Copson Street, with work due to start there in the new year.

Councilor Gavin White said the project was about giving Withington residents “a place of pride” and creating a “more welcoming” public space.

The project, which will be interrupted over the Christmas period, is expected to be completed by March.

The changes around Withington Library will see the intersection of Wellington Road and Wilmslow Road closed and Rippingham Road move one way westbound.

Davenport Avenue will also be made one-way towards the busy Wilmslow Road commuter route to “discourage non-local traffic”, planning advisers said.

New trees and paving will be installed in the newly expanded public space area.

Meanwhile, a section of Copson Street between Wilmslow Road and Patten Street will be partially pedestrianized, with new trees, lights and seating added.

The route will be one-way from west to east, with access limited to blue badge holders, waste, emergency and loading vehicles and office staff.

It comes after 72% of people who took part in a consultation backed changes to the areas to make them more attractive, a council spokesman said.