This week, the Council started work to remove the freestanding portion of the wall in Piccadilly Gardens as part of the £2 million in long-term funding earmarked to improve Piccadilly Gardens from the Council’s capital budget.

The work will include the removal of street furniture around Piccadilly Gardens, increasing the light provision, launching a consultation on the gardens and the demolition of the free-standing wall.

A further consultation will be launched in December on wider improvements to the Gardens, which will be available on Manchester City Council’s Consultation landing page.

Cllr Jon-Connor Lyons, who has been campaigning for change in Piccadilly Gardens, has said “The wall coming down marks a new beginning for the gardens, with a new consultation for the area being launched next month.”

“My vision for the area is one which is more family friendly, more green, open and one which does not foster and promote anti-social behaviour.”

“We need to be bold and get this right for the future to come. Major investment in transforming a huge part of our city centre could help to kickstart our local recovery following the economic impacts of Covid-19.”

“The wall coming down is the first part of the changes we want to see, now lets continue with momentum and get Piccadilly Gardens right!”

The public consultation for the gardens will be shaped by Mancunians from across our city and everyone’s thoughts will be welcomed in the effort to deliver a sustainable, high-quality space.