The new mayor said changes are on the way.
Mancunians have long called for improvements to the area(Image: Sean Hansford / MEN)
An increase in the number of patrolling police officers and new CCTV cameras are part of a plan to improve Piccadilly Gardens, mayor Bev Craig has said.
The gardens have gained a reputation for being a place in the city which some people avoid, especially at night.
But new investment by Manchester council is aimed at turning things around, alongside a plan by Greater Manchester mayor Bev Craig to tackle issues in the area.
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The region’s new mayor was asked on the BBC Radio Manchester hotseat if she would feel safe walking through Piccadilly Gardens at night.
She said: “I do walk through Piccadilly Gardens at night and the reality is it could be better.
“It’s one of the reasons that I met with the Chief Constable on day two [of being mayor], it’s one of the reasons I took the GMP with me on a walk about in Piccadilly Gardens.
“Obviously the council are putting this investment in, but there needs to be more police, there needs to be better CCTV and more lighting.
“They’re installing the CCTV as we speak, the lighting is on its way, and police in the city centre have gone up from 40 cops to 64, and we want to see a permanent police presence in Piccadilly Gardens.”
Greater Manchester mayor Bev Craig(Image: MEN)
The new vision to transform Piccadilly Gardens was revealed by the council in June to put some ‘pride’ back in the landmark area.
It includes more greenery and plants, ripping out the low concrete walls, and removing the fountains to make a new place for activities and events.
The council also recently agreed to extend powers to curb anti-social behaviour around Manchester city centre, cracking down on public urination and waste dumping.
The Manchester Evening News spoke to residents and businesses at Piccadilly Gardens in July, and there were mixed feelings about the area.
A man named Eddie Coulson said at the time: “It’s not a very good advert for Manchester, and on the side streets you get litter and bins overflowing. I would like to think the plans they have got will improve things here.”
Another Greater Manchester resident, Natalie Harding, added: “I think it would be safer for kids and families if they could put a small fence around this play area. I think having more police would definitely help as well.
“There’s all sorts here during the day, you get workers here having their dinner, students, it’s such a mix of people. We’re from around here so we get used to it.”