Plans to transform Piccadilly Gardens are being shared with Manchester residents, allowing them to have their say, ahead of a full planning application being submitted this summer. The transformation plans include “putting the gardens back” in Piccadilly Gardens, a refresh of the children’s play area and a new space for family-friendly events, amongst other improvements.
The vision behind the scheme – to make Piccadilly Gardens more colourful, vibrant, safe and inviting – was announced by the Council last autumn, with CGI images released to give a flavour of the improvements. Since then, a delivery team has been appointed to design and build the scheme, and now, newly released images show for the first time how the designed scheme will look.
What are the plans to transform Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester?
The delivery team, which includes Galliford Try as the lead contractor, landscape architect and lead designer Planit and civil, structural and highways engineers Civic, has developed a detailed plan to make that vision a reality.
Key elements in the design plan include:
- Restoring the ‘Gardens’ in Piccadilly Gardens: more green space, including lawn areas, trees, planting, seating and colourful horticultural displays.
- A new space for family-friendly events: removing the old, unreliable fountains and creating a flexible area for events and activities throughout the year. A new structure – the Welcome Pavilion – will support regular programming.
- Better use of space: removing the unsightly low concrete walls and raised planters near the Queen Victoria statue and improving the setting around the monument.
- Refreshing the children’s play area: creating a new, larger playground for younger children, matching the high quality of recent play areas at Mayfield Park and Ancoats Green, but designed specifically for Piccadilly Gardens.
“We all want to see a space which Mancunians can be proud of”
Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said: “We’re getting on with sorting out Piccadilly Gardens. We all want to see a space which Mancunians can be proud of – a welcoming and attractive environment where people want to spend time.
“Alongside initiatives delivering more police and more CCTV, we’re bringing forward this scheme to transform the public space. That means investment in more flowers, more greenery, a new welcome pavilion, a new and bigger playground and an altogether more inviting Piccadilly Gardens. A bright new chapter is just around the corner.”
New management model, family-friendly activities and a modern transport interchange
The Council and partners recognise that improving Piccadilly Gardens is not only about physical changes but also about better management and maintenance. Work has already begun, including a strengthened police presence through GMP’s dedicated neighbourhood team and ongoing CCTV upgrades. A new management model is being developed alongside the physical plans, with more details to follow, focusing on public–private partnerships, community involvement and civic pride.
Once the physical works are complete, the Council aims to ensure a regular programme of family‑friendly activities and seasonal events. The scheme aims to complement other developments in the area, including the major Rylands redevelopment of the former Debenhams building and the recently approved refurbishment of One Piccadilly Gardens. Further improvements in the coming years will include a multi‑million‑pound investment by Transport for Greater Manchester to create a new, modern transport interchange.
How to have your say on the Piccadilly Gardens transformation plans
A pre‑planning consultation begins today (Wednesday 17 June) and runs until Wednesday 15 July, ahead of a final planning application being submitted this summer. Previous consultations have captured people’s views on the challenges and aspirations for Piccadilly Gardens, and these have shaped the current designs. This consultation focuses on how those views have been incorporated and invites feedback to inform the final submission.
People can also view the proposals, speak to the project team and provide feedback at three drop‑in sessions at Manchester Art Gallery on Mosley Street:
- Tuesday 23 June, 1pm–5pm
- Friday 26 June, 10am–2pm
- Saturday 27 June, 11am–3pm
Engagement sessions about the enlarged play area will also take place in early years settings and schools. More information on the consultation is available here.
