New images have been released showing how Piccadilly Gardens will be transformed into a space Mancunians can be proud of once again. The vision from Manchester council aims to create a safer, greener area with a new space for activities and events throughout the year.
Design Details
The newly-released images reveal the design scheme, which includes removing the unsightly low concrete walls and raised planters near the Queen Victoria statue, and improving the statue's setting. The old and unreliable fountains will be removed to make way for a new flexible structure called the Welcome Pavilion, which will host activities and events.
More greenery will be introduced, including lawns, trees, planting, seating, and colourful displays, nodding to the Gardens' flowery past. The children's area will be revamped with a new, larger playground for younger kids, matching the quality of recent play areas at Mayfield Park and Ancoats Green but designed specifically for Piccadilly Gardens.
Council Leader's Statement
Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester council, said: “We’re getting on with sorting out Piccadilly Gardens. We all want to see a space which Mancunians can be proud of - a welcoming and attractive environment which people want to spend time in. So as well as other initiatives delivering more police and more CCTV, we’re bringing forward this scheme to transform the public space. That means investment in more flowers, more greenery, a new welcome pavilion, a new and bigger playground and an altogether more inviting Piccadilly Gardens. A bright new chapter is just around the corner.”
Background and Progress
Plans to transform Piccadilly Gardens were revealed last year, and a team has been appointed to work on the design and build, with a detailed scheme in place. Activity began earlier this year when metal fencing and concrete blocks appeared around the fountains in March.
People in Manchester have long called for Piccadilly Gardens to become a space the city can enjoy and be proud of, as a focal point in central Manchester. It is one of the first parts of the city visitors see when arriving by train from Piccadilly station. Some Mancunians have longed for the gardens to return to their former appearance, with nostalgic images showing greenery and flowers from bygone days.
In recent years, Piccadilly Gardens has become a place some avoid, but the new plans aim to change that. The council revealed its design plans ahead of submitting a full planning application in the summer. A pre-planning consultation starts today, June 17, and runs until July 15, with more information on the council's website.
Community Input
Manchester council said previous consultations captured how people feel about Piccadilly Gardens, and their views have been heard loud and clear. This pre-planning consultation sets out how the designs respond to those views and asks for feedback to help inform the final blueprint. Once physical changes are complete, the aim is to establish a regular stream of family-friendly activities and seasonal events.
Wider Improvements
Further changes are coming to the wider area around Piccadilly Gardens. These include a multi-million pound investment by Transport for Greater Manchester to create a new, modern transport interchange, a major redevelopment at the Rylands building (the grade II-listed former Debenhams) creating new office, retail and leisure spaces, and recently-approved plans to refurbish One Piccadilly Gardens, which houses offices and ground-floor food and drink outlets.
People can view the proposals, talk to the team, and provide feedback at three half-day drop-in sessions at Manchester Art Gallery on Mosley Street, near the Gardens. Sessions are on June 23 from 1pm to 5pm, June 26 from 10am to 2pm, and June 27 from 11am to 3pm.
