News
Piccadilly Gardens set for massive overhaul including plans to make it even bigger
About time something was done…
The decline of Piccadilly Gardens is well documented, from flowering garden paradise to the no-go area it has become, and two stabbing incidents over the weekend once again highlighted the issues the Gardens face.
While it might not be a definitive solution to many of the problems that blight it, Piccadilly Gardens could be getting a massive overhaul, with plans to make it even bigger.
The plans could also see the much-hated wall being partially demolished, as well as the site expanded to include Piccadilly to the north of the gardens, Parker Street to the south and Mosley Street to the west, Place North West reports.
As part of the overhaul, the unpopular concrete wall could be partly transformed into a new green wall, with the free-standing part it potentially getting demolished.
A previous proposal for what Piccadilly Gardens could look like
LDA Design has been appointed to create concept designs for the improvements, with the schemes set to be consulted on in spring.
LDA were behind a previous proposal for a £2m overhaul of the area back in 2017, which proved popular with the public – unfortunately it never went ahead because of funding issues.
Mark Graham, director of LDA Design, told Place North West: “Piccadilly Gardens has to wear many hats; functioning as a public square, a civic space, and somewhere casually to have lunch.
“We’re looking at its role in the city, complementing Albert Square and St Peter’s Square nearby. Piccadilly Gardens has a unique character compared to them, and needs to be a place for people to have fun.”
In regards to the new plans, the council said: “Critical to the proposals will be the creation of a more family-friendly area with an improved children’s play area, and removing or replacing the existing street furniture”.
And the council want you to get involved, tweeting last night that they’ll be looking for public opinion this spring on how to change Piccadilly Gardens.
According to the council, they’re still committed to delivering planting and improved lighting, as well as making sure the chosen design deters anti-social behaviour – one of the biggest issues facing the area at the moment.
In regards to this, the council has been liaising with police to make sure the proposals reduce instances of anti-social behaviour.
What do you think? How could Piccadilly Gardens be improved – or is it too late?