A full planning application for the scheme to begin a much-welcomed regeneration of Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester has been submitted
The application is the latest step in delivering the regeneration of Piccadilly Gardens, making it more colourful, vibrant, safer, and inviting.
Subject to planning permission being granted this autumn, work to bring the plans to life will begin as soon as possible.
Interim council leader Garry Bridges stated: “The moment has arrived when we’re ready to submit our planning application to transform Piccadilly Gardens. It’s taken a lot of work to get to this significant point.
“This application will see a much-improved space: Putting the Gardens back in Piccadilly Gardens, providing a better children’s play area and supporting a more inviting place all round.”
Regeneration of Piccadilly Gardens is welcomed by residents
Public consultation on the detailed design was built on previous extensive consultation about what people wanted from Piccadilly Gardens and included drop-in sessions and an online questionnaire.
Hundreds responded and were broadly supportive of the plans, with more than half (58%) believing they will provide a safe and welcoming new space, 67% saying they provided clear walking routes and almost three-quarters (70%) saying they would create a greener and more colourful space.
Concerns have been raised about the safety of the area
Some raised concerns about anti-social behaviour and how the regeneration of Piccadilly Gardens will remain inviting.
The Council and its partners, including Greater Manchester Police and Transport for Greater Manchester, recognise that creating a better Piccadilly Gardens cannot be just about physical improvements; it will also require new ways of managing the space to keep it safe and inviting.
Work to develop this new way of managing the space is ongoing, and improvements are already underway, including a strengthened police presence through GMP’s dedicated neighbourhood policing team.
“Piccadilly Gardens is a space that everyone should feel safe and secure when travelling in and around the area. Our officers have ensured that public safety has been a key focus in the planning process, including better lighting and more CCTV,” explained City of Manchester chief inspector Mike Tachauer.
“We have had several experienced police officers who have strong experience around policing Piccadilly Gardens who have given input to these plans, and there are a number of elements we have learnt from, for example, understanding how planters can be misused by those involved in criminality and how we can deter this from happening.”
Key aspects of the new and improved Piccadilly Gardens
Key elements of the application include:
- Putting the ‘Gardens’ back in Piccadilly Gardens: More green space including lawn, trees, planting, seating and colourful horticultural
- A new space for family-friendly events: Removing the old, unreliable fountains and creating a new space to hold enjoyable events and activities throughout the year. A new, flexible structure - referred to as The Welcome Pavilion - will be built on part of the space to help support regular activity. This will be the focus of a separate planning application.
- Better use of space: Removing the unsightly low concrete walls and raised planters along the edge of Piccadilly Gardens, close to the Queen Victoria statue, and improving the statue’s setting.
- Refreshing the existing children’s play area: Creating a new, larger playground for younger children. This will be the same high quality as recently created play areas such as those at Mayfield Park and Ancoats Green, but designed specifically for Piccadilly Gardens.
Further transport improvements will take place across Piccadilly Gardens
Further planned improvements to the area around Piccadilly Gardens in the coming years will include a multi-million-pound investment by Transport for Greater Manchester to create a new, modern transport interchange.
Vernon Everitt, transport commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “These exciting plans for Piccadilly Gardens will bring vast improvements for everyone who passes through it and for the numerous businesses who operate in the vicinity.
“The Bee Network is already transforming how people move around Greater Manchester, and we are developing plans with the local community for a modern transport interchange linking buses, Metrolink and active travel that will help create a city centre that is greener, better connected and welcoming for everyone.”
The regeneration will complement other major works in the city centre
Once the physical works are completed, the Council aims to ensure a regular stream of bespoke family-friendly activity and seasonal events to enjoy.
The new scheme will complement other changes taking place in the immediate vicinity of the Gardens, including the major Rylands redevelopment (of the Grade II-listed former Debenhams building) which is creating a new office, retail and leisure destination, and the recently approved plans to refurbish and improve One Piccadilly Gardens.
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