Manchester City Council is inviting urban design and landscape teams to submit plans to give Piccadilly Gardens a facelift.
It comes following an announcement in July, when the council said it intended to hold a competition that could see the city centre area completely redesigned.
The first phase of this competition officially opened on Friday (October 29).
READ MORE: Manchester council launches competition to design £25m revamp of Piccadilly Gardens and surrounding areas
The major plans to revamp the space, which also includes nearby Mosley Street, Parker Street and the section of Portland Street which runs alongside Piccadilly Gardens, will cost £25m.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
It follows years of antisocial behaviour that has plagued the city centre site.
Its location means that it serves a unique range of functions including as a major route through the city centre, a transport interchange, a space for markets and events, a meeting place and a green space.
The competition design brief has been shaped by views sought from more than 1,700 people and businesses from Manchester.
It envisages that the gardens will become ‘a special place with a strong sense of identity’.
It also aims to be transformed into ‘a place for all, incorporating space where children can play, and that full access and inclusivity will be integral to the design process’.
Retaining a green space in the centre of the city and planting to encourage biodiversity and improve air quality are also part of the plans.
The design will need to retain the existing listed monuments, statues, tramlines and infrastructure as well as the existing Pavilion structure.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Our clear ambition is for the Piccadilly area to be an outstanding public open space – a place that people are talking about for all the right reasons.
“It has huge potential to be a welcoming, flexible space which makes a positive contribution to the life of Manchester.
“The opening of this international design competition is a significant step towards this aspiration.
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We look forward to hearing from some brilliant designers and, once the winner has been chosen, seeking further views from the public.”
The deadline for expressions of interest is January 10.
Next year, shortlisted candidates will be asked to produce concept design proposals.
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