Our survey has sparked hundreds of comments – and there’s one clear winner
Piccadilly Gardens was one of the main talking points of our survey(Image: Greta Simpson | Manchester Evening News)
Manchester is a vibrant city that is adored by many. Whether you were born and bred here, or chose it as your home, there are so many things that have made it the place it is today.
From our rich musical heritage to our beautiful buildings, array of top-notch restaurants and of course, the people, there is so much to love about Manchester city centre.
But like everywhere, there is always room for improvement.
That’s why we asked our M.E.N readers to tell us the one thing you would change about Manchester city centre – and hundreds of responses came flooding in.
After sharing our request on Facebook, there were a flurry of comments from people who either live in the thick of Manchester, or in one of the surrounding boroughs, telling us what they would like to see done differently.
And there was one clear winner – Piccadilly Gardens. The city centre spot garnered the most comments amongst other pleas for changes to the cycle lanes as well as those huge skyscrapers that dominate the city skyline.
Here we take a look at what our readers said.
Piccadilly Gardens
Piccadilly Gardens as they were in September 1964(Image: free)
Anyone who has lived in Manchester for a while will know that Piccadilly Gardens has changed drastically from what it once was.
The beautifully sculpted floral gardens used to be a public space that many Mancunians enjoyed and were proud of, but many feel a £100m revamp, neglect and rising crime in recent years has taken the heart and soul out of the city centre spot.
But whilst the area is always evolving and trying to renew its reputation, people still aren’t happy.
The majority of comments from our readers compared the area to what it once was.
“Return Piccadilly Gardens to how they were in the 1950’s. Rather than the eyesore they are today,” Peter Knowles said.
“Piccadilly Gardens. Bring back the greenery and make it safe for everyone to enjoy,” wrote Louise Sleigh.
“Piccadilly Gardens. Used to be beautiful,” another said, as David Southworth added: “Bring back the old Piccadilly Gardens.”
John Burton agreed: “Return Piccadilly Gardens to how it was in the 50s/60s. A place of beauty with benches and flower beds where you could sit and relax whilst having your Lunch.”
Anne-Marie Marshall also wrote: “Making Piccadilly Gardens safe is a priority over making it pretty. I actively avoid the place when I’m in Manchester.”
Cycle lanes
Queues have been a regular sight during the roadworks(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Another thing people are irked by is the new cycle lines in parts of the city centre.
Construction of new cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings and the mission to turn Deansgate into a one-way route for motorists began last August.
The scheme has been controversial, with drivers blasting the ‘ridiculous’ congestion in the run-up to Christmas, and queues of traffic prompting residents, business owners and delivery drivers to hit out at the project.
In response to our survey, Anthony Eddie Edwards wrote: “Get rid of all the cycle lanes and all the other pointless infrastructure that’s been put in its a nightmare trying to deliver into the city centre.”
Another commented: “Open the roads back up and get the traffic flowing, instead of congestion in the surrounding areas trying to get into the city centre. Not everyone rides a bike or lives near enough to walk!!.”
Kay Tee wrote: “Open the roads up! stop creating congestion,” as Abdullah Wasim Sadiq agreed: “Stop one system and all bus lane cameras away let ppl live normal city centre life.”
Mark McNamara also said: “The road system . Never go to Manchester anymore and I live here and would advise anyone else to steer clear.”
Skyscrapers
Deansgate square is amongst the tallest skyscrapers(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester’s skyline is expanding at a remarkable rate, but not everybody is happy about it.
As of April 2025, Greater Manchester has 26 towers completed at a height of 100 metres or more and a further six towers above 100m under construction.
Whilst the likes of Deansgate Square, Beetham Tower and Viadux provide luxury apartments for young professionals and investors, they often demand high rent costs.
Taking to the comments, Julie Thompson urged “Remove the skyscrapers.”
Lee Riley said: “Get rid of those high rise buildings. It’s cold enough in Manchester without having to walk in the shadows.”
Dusty Brightside said: “How about a council that is driven by the housing needs of those who actually live there and not just building skyscrapers for overseas investors?.”
“Cheaper apartments (but then I guess they’d just be filled up with people anyways),” James Woods added.
Other comments on our Facebook post also pleaded for more independent shops around the city.
“I know we have Afflecks, but I really miss the Corn Exchange how it was in the nineties before the Arndale bomb. Not enough real alternative shops anymore and needs more guitar shops,” Jerome Conreen wrote:
Karen Jones agreed: “Totally agree, that was a gem of a building and they totally ruined it when they turned it into a soulless shopping centre.”
“More little individual shops instead of chainstores (small traders, cafes etc). I loved the Arndale in the 80s. It has lost it’s character [and] warmth,” Carla Williams added.
Others want more green space across the city. “More green spaces like London,” Lyn Holmes said.
“Make more green space not just the size of a stamp,” added Allan Grisdale.