MANCHESTER’S most controversial public space is about to undergo another expensive renovation, and now is your chance to see the plans for the new Piccadilly Gardens.

Landowners L&G have worked with Manchester City Council to devise the £10m revamp, and the detailed designs are to be exhibited to the public on the 2nd and 3rd of December.

The exhibit, taking place at the Town Hall, will allow visitors to offer feedback on the proposed improvements, which are set to create an “improved, safer and more attractive community environment to Piccadilly Gardens.”

The plans reportedly form part of a wider scheme which also involves the redevelopment of the Pavilion building.

Manchester City Council have announced several new features for The Gardens earlier this month, which include extra seating, improved lighting to deter anti-social behaviour, and the removal of ‘the wall’.

The wall, which was originally devised to block off noise and pollution from the bus station, has proved to be the most controversial aspect of the current layout of the area.

Its brutalist design was enough to motivate 2,000 people to sign a petition demanding its removal. It has even been compared to the Berlin Wall by some dissatisfied citizens.

On their website, the Council state: “[we] and L&G have taken into account public opinion and identified the removal of the ‘wall’ and carefully targeted garden improvements would significantly improve the Gardens.”

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council said: “Different people will have different views of what works in Piccadilly gardens and we value their feedback which will help shape the final plans.”

 The exhibit will take place on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December between 10am and 4pm next to the Media Lounge on the ground floor of the Town Hall Extension.

 For full details on the renovation of Piccadilly Gardens, visit www.piccadilly-gardens.co.uk

 

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