Albert Square could soon look something like this under new plans to transform the space
It's part of the £330m Town Hall revamp.
Manchester City Council has unveiled ambitious plans to transform Albert Square into one of the best civic event spaces in Europe, as well as make more improvements to the Town Hall.
The picture shows a rough idea of how designers envisage the square - it would be made around 20% bigger and limited to pedestrian access only - apart from the Princess Street side.
Council bosses have carried out traffic surveys which suggest fewer than 3,000 vehicles a day use the route and can be readily re-routed. Taxi and bus stops would also be re-positioned, subject to consultation.
It's hoped the new design would also dramatically improve the safety and security of the square and would take away the need for the current concrete barrier around it.
Councillor Bernard Priest, lead member for the Our Town Hall 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 "Our Town Hall" project will see the Grade I-listed Manchester Town Hall building repaired, refurbished and partially restored to safeguard it for current and future generations and improve public access.
Improved access will include making sure there is suitable access to all the building’s entrances and floors for all visitors and staff including people with wheelchairs, walking aids or prams - something not factored into the original Victorian design.
The building, currently closed to enable works to progress, is due to re-open in 2024. The project is on budget and on programme.