A petition has recently been launched calling for Manchester City Council to review the management of Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens, which has been described as a “sensory overload”. The petition requests that the council undertake a comprehensive review of these key Manchester areas “to improve accessibility, pedestrian flow, public safety, noise management, and the overall experience of the city centre”.
Used daily by residents, workers, shoppers, tourists, disabled people, older people, families with young children, and neurodivergent people, Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens are among the busiest public spaces in Manchester city centre. According to the petition, these spaces should “remain accessible, comfortable, safe, and easy to navigate for everyone”.
Started by Hannah Torkington, the petition regarding the management of Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens has now been signed by over 400 people. Should the petition receive more than 1,000 signatures, it would be discussed at a scrutiny meeting; should it receive more than 4,000 signatures, it would be discussed at a full council debate.
What is the petition asking Manchester City Council to review on Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens?
The petition states that the review should consider “the cumulative impact of organised and unorganised street solicitation, amplified sound, street trading, temporary structures, and large gatherings, while respecting the rights to lawful expression, peaceful assembly, and legitimate trading”.
It adds that this request “is not directed at any particular group of people, business, political belief, charity, religion, or organisation”. Instead, the petition says it concerns “the cumulative impact of multiple activities taking place simultaneously in some of Manchester’s busiest pedestrian areas” and the effect this has on accessibility, safety, and the overall experience of the city centre.
The petition finds that pedestrian accessibility in the city centre is hindered by a combination of high-impact street activities, physical obstructions, and overcrowding. The petition organisers believe this is impacted by organised street solicitations, amplified sound, gazebos and stalls, street trading, and large organised or unorganised gatherings. In addition, the petition calls for the local council to assess the cumulative effect of these activities, including excessive noise, sensory overload, obstruction, and difficulty navigating the city centre.
What management measures are being suggested for Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens?
To maintain accessible and functional public spaces, the petition proposes strategic management measures to balance vibrant street activity with foot-traffic flow across Manchester’s busiest areas. These measures include designated locations, potential permit or time-slot systems, volume controls on amplified sound, and clearing unnecessary blockages along key routes.
The petition also suggests re-evaluating street trader locations and managing pedestrian flow to prevent bottlenecks, alongside a more balanced distribution of organised activities across the city centre rather than concentrating them in a few key locations.
Organisers of the petition state that “the aim is not to prevent lawful expression, peaceful assembly, or legitimate trading”. Instead, these measures aim to distribute public activities fairly—ensuring Manchester’s shared spaces remain welcoming, accessible, and safe for everyone while respecting fundamental rights.
How to sign the petition
This ePetition runs from July 26 to September 24 and can be signed here.
