The public consultation on the future of one of the city’s most infamous and controversial areas is now open, looking to help shape the future of Piccadilly Gardens and its surrounding areas.
The 8-week consultation will cover the area centred on the Gardens but will also include Piccadilly, Mosley Street, Market Street and the Parker Street bus interchange area.
The council is now looking for people to share their “thoughts and aspirations” on the area – as it looks to meet the goals of reducing crime and other anti-social behaviour – primarily by bringing in more business, footfall and improved design.
The survey looks to ask for ideas on the type of features and events the area should house, as well as looking into the logistical and practical implications of reducing the volume of bus traffic and services on both sides of the gardens.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The Piccadilly area is an important part of the city that has enormous potential and attracts strong opinions. We know it can be better and we are committed to bringing forward improvements.
“The plans we ultimately will bring forward will be about creating a modern Piccadilly area that includes a friendly, lively and welcoming public space designed to balance the different functions it serves.”
Leese said there is not a “completely blank canvas,” and outlined that the project will have to work around tramlines and statues and the pavilion building.
What would you like to happen in the area? Now that the ‘Berlin Wall’ has come down is it time to see more structures fall and a complete re-vamp of the entire area? Now is the time to have your say…
The survey is now open and runs until Sunday 21st March
