Work underway to expand Manchester’s Albert Square

Ground has broken on a project to transform Manchester’s Albert Square, with the aim of making it a ‘world class’ public space.

The improvements will increase the square’s size by around 20pc, as well as closing the roads on two sides to traffic and incorporating them as part of the pedestrianised public space.

The project is part of the Our Town Hall scheme, which aims to protect the Grade-I listed Town Hall building and enhance its setting.

The first phase of the scheme, focused on the area outside the existing square, has been brought forward and will be completed next year, two years ahead of schedule, to minimize the impacts on surrounding businesses and ensure they can benefit from a traffic-free environment more quickly, supporting their recovery from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Work on the remainder of the square, which is currently behind hoardings and housing the site compound for works to the Town Hall, is expected to be complete in 2024.

Cllr Bev Craig, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: ‘Albert Square is the civic heart of Manchester – a place where people come together to celebrate, socialise and commemorate.

‘These works will create a bigger and more flexible events space but also a more pleasant environment and cleaner air all year round. We believe that when its finished the transformed Albert Square will be one of the finest civic spaces in Europe, helping to create and support good jobs for Manchester people. We’re already seeing the first of these benefits, with apprenticeships being created for local people during the construction phase.’

Speaking on behalf of Dutton’s pub in Albert Square, Jacqui Collier, managed house area manager for JW Lees, added: ‘The last 18 months has been the biggest challenge that the hospitality industry has had to face. The investment of Manchester City Council in the Town Hall and Albert Square project will be a great lift for city centre businesses and the people of Manchester.

‘The Council have worked with the businesses that are directly affected by the development, have communicated at every stage of the project and reacted quickly to our concerns. We look forward to more constructive dialogue over the next two years and beyond, and we are confident that the Town Hall and Albert Square will be a brilliant showpiece for the city of Manchester.’

In related news, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that West Yorkshire will receive £830m to develop its integrated transport system.

Photo supplied by Manchester City Council