Manchester announces design competition to regenerate Piccadilly Gardens

Manchester City Council will launch an international design competition to choose a plan for a £25m regeneration of the area around Piccadilly Gardens.

The Piccadilly area covers a 10-acre site, including Mosley Street and New York Street, and acts as a major route through the city centre, as well as a transport interchange, market and events space, and a green leisure area.

Manchester City Council has issued a notice to alert urban design and landscape teams of its intention to invite ideas for the space, with expressions of interest to take part in the competition expected in the autumn.

The initial brief for the area has been developed after a public consultation, with a focus on creating a new space that has a strong sense of identity, can host a range of events, and is welcoming to all.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: ‘The Piccadilly area has the potential to become an outstanding open space in the heart of Manchester, befitting the city’s international status. We recognise that it needs to be transformed to ensure that it can realise its potential as a welcoming and flexible space. We want to create a place that people are talking about for all the right reasons.

‘The publication of this notice is an important step closer to this aspiration and underlines the ambition we have for the area – ambition we know that Manchester people share. We will of course be seeking further views from the public later down the line once we have a successful scheme to put to them.’

The Council has stipulated that the design must retain a green space in the centre of the city, calling for planting to encourage biodiversity and improve air quality.

They also noted that it is crucial for the new design to promote safety and ensure the area is well lit, as well as retaining the existing listed monuments, statues and transport infrastructure.

In related news, four major schemes have been approved in Ancoats and New Islington, beginning a new phase of regeneration for the area with more housing and sustainable transport.

Photo supplied by Manchester City Council