Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester is set to begin its first phase of transformation if a £1.8 million funding package goes through.

Manchester City Council will meet on Wednesday 11 March, when it will be asked to approve investment to unlock the scheme.

This capital investment capital will fund a number of early improvements to improve the area's appearance and people's experience of it, including the demolition of the free-standing part of the concrete wall. It will also cover costs associated with the development of the scheme including concept design, survey and other preparatory work and gauging public feedback on outline plans. 

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Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "This is a key step in the transformation of Piccadilly Gardens. We have been listening to people’s views about the area and we are determined, working with principal landlords, businesses, residents and property owners in the nearby area, to support changes to make it a thriving and welcoming place.

"We know we have got to start investing in the area now to deliver a space which meets the aspirations of Manchester people. The fact that we are planning to commit so much funding to the first phase of the scheme alone hopefully underlines the extent of our commitment."

The budget for the resulting scheme will be finalised once a design has been agreed but it will be considerably higher. The council will be working with principal property owners and other interested parties to develop a joint fund to enable the scheme to be brought forwards.

Landscape architect LDA Design (Manchester) has been appointed to produce concept designs for improvements in Piccadilly Gardens and its surrounds.

Manchester residents and businesses will be invited in the spring to give their feedback on a number of  designs. A final design will then be produced incorporating the priorities identified in this feedback exercise. 

(CM/MH)