Council bosses have given us a glimpse of Manchester’s new look Albert Square.
Manchester City Council has revealed plans for the ‘ambitious’ project which they say will make Manchester’s Albert Sqaure one of the finest civic spaces in Europe.
The proposals for the square, which were put forward at July’s full council meeting, will see the square enlarged by 20 per cent in the hopes that it will enhance its role as a major events space. The plans will also involve limiting traffic access to the Princess Street side of the square and extending the pedestrianised area.
Council bosses said the refurbishment will also enhance safety, security and accessibility to the square, removing the need for the concrete barriers, which were installed prior to last year’s Christmas Markets, and offering better infrastructure for major events.
Further details of the refurbishment of the Town Hall have also been revealed, including plans to safeguard it for current and future generations and improve public access to the grade-I listed building.
Steps being taken to improved access will include the installation of lifts to improve access and movement around the building and ramps to allow inclusive access to the town hall’s main entrances- something not factored into the original Victorian design.
Councillor Bernard Priest, lead member for the project, said: “We are making significant progress on this ambitious project to safeguard, refurbish and partially restore the iconic Town Hall building while enhancing its surroundings.
“Albert Square is a much-loved public space where Mancunians and visitors come together for a huge range of cultural and civic events. It is, in many ways, the heart of Manchester. These proposals will see it take its place among the very finest international public squares.”
The Town Hall is currently closed while work is underway and is due to re-open in 2024.