Plans to transform Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens have been approved, paving the way for major works to begin in November and create a greener, safer and more family-friendly city centre space.
Plans for a major transformation of Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester have been given the green light, with work expected to begin this autumn.
Manchester City Council received no objections to the proposals, allowing officials to approve the full planning application without it going before next month's Planning Committee.
Preparation work can now continue ahead of the main construction programme, which is scheduled to start in November.
The redevelopment is designed to make Piccadilly Gardens greener, more colourful, safer and more inviting.
Plans include additional lawns, trees and planting, new seating and colourful horticultural displays.
The existing fountains will be removed and replaced by a new space designed to accommodate family-friendly events and activities throughout the year.
Low concrete walls and raised planters near the Queen Victoria statue will also be removed, while the setting around the statue will be improved.
The existing children's play area will be replaced by a larger playground for younger children, designed to a similar standard to recently created play areas at Mayfield Park and Ancoats Green.
Safety improvements will include better sightlines and lighting alongside enhanced CCTV.
The council says physical changes will be accompanied by improvements to the way Piccadilly Gardens is managed and maintained. A strengthened police presence has already been introduced, while a new management model is being developed.
Once the transformation is complete, the council intends to stage a regular programme of family-friendly activities and seasonal events.
The scheme will complement other major developments around Piccadilly Gardens, including the redevelopment of the former Debenhams building at Rylands and improvements to One Piccadilly Gardens.
Transport for Greater Manchester is also planning a multi-million-pound investment in a new modern transport interchange for the area.
Councillor Garry Bridges, Leader of Manchester City Council, said securing planning permission means work can begin properly before the end of the year, with the transformed space expected to be ready for public use next year.
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