Piccadilly Gardens plans to go on public view
A PUBLIC exhibition will give people a chance to see – and give their views on – detailed multi-million pound plans to improve Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens.
Earlier this month Legal & General Investment Management Real Assets (L&G), in partnership with Manchester City Council, released proposals including £2m worth of investment in improvements to the Gardens to make them more attractive and welcoming community environment, while deterring anti-social behaviour.
The regeneration is part of a wider £10m investment by L&G which also includes plans to redevelop the Pavilion building, create a new covered area of public realm – and the removal of the ‘wall’.
People will now have a chance to view detailed plans and provide feedback on Friday and Saturday December 2 and 3 between 10am and 4pm in the area next to the Media Lounge on the ground floor of the Town Hall Extension.
The joint public consultation is being held by the council and L&G.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Piccadilly Gardens is an incredibly well-used public space which more than 16 million people a year pass through or spend time in.
“We know that many people have strong opinions about it and recognise that there is scope for significant improvements.
“We believe the proposed scheme, which takes into account public feedback, provides viable and sustainable change for the better which is compatible with the Gardens’ role as a major thoroughfare used by hundreds of thousands of people a week as well as a destination in its own right.”
Bill Hughes, head of real assets, Legal & General Investment Management, said: “The proposed Pavilion design will bring a new vibrancy and economy to Piccadilly Gardens which we hope residents can be proud of and visitors to Manchester will see as a destination in its own right.
“L&G has a longstanding track record of working with progressive local authorities to bring forward regeneration and improvements to social infrastructure projects. We see Piccadilly Gardens as a prime example of this kind of collaboration in action.”
