2.4m high hoardings could be erected around Piccadilly Gardens ahead of its redevelopment
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Piccadilly Gardens could be fenced off for 18 months as preparations for its latest transformation begin. Temporary hoardings 2.4m high could be erected around the public square ahead of the redevelopment.
Documents submitted alongside a planning application state that, if approved, the illuminated fencing would go up on March 9, initially on a smaller area around the fountain, before being expanded to enclose most of the gardens.
In October long-awaited multi-million pound plans for the redesign of the much-maligned square were unveiled. In the first phase of the work the fountains will be ripped out to make way for more grass and a permanent space for events, while the playground will double in size.
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Flowers will return, while the walls on the Piccadilly end will be knocked down and lighting improved. Plans for a new transport interchange are also in the pipeline.
Speaking at the time, city centre spokesperson Pat Karney described the proposals as the ‘biggest change’ in Piccadilly Garden’s history.
What Piccadilly Gardens will look like when the plans are complete(Image: LDA Design/Manchester City Council)
He said: “Piccadilly Gardens isn’t living up to anything like its potential at the moment but it could and should be a great public space for Manchester. This plan promises to be a massive leap forward. We’ve already demolished most of the hated wall but this package of improvements will go further to make a real and lasting difference.”
In a planning statement submitted with the fencing application AHR Architects said: “The proposed temporary hoarding and site investigations at Piccadilly Gardens are essential enabling works that will inform the future redevelopment of this important city centre space.”
Manchester council has been approached for comment.