Work begins on £25m transformation of Piccadilly Gardens

A long-awaited £25m project to transform Piccadilly Gardens has gotten underway.

Legal & General Investment Management is working with Manchester Council to complete the project, the first part of which includes splitting the infamous pavilion structure into two parts by removing the concrete canopy and introducing new perimeter lighting.

The redevelopment has been designed to complement the Council’s wider ambition for a new-look Piccadilly Gardens and surrounding areas.

Back in 2023, LDA Design was appointed by the Council as the project’s design team, tasked with drawing up detailed plans for public consultation and a planning application later this year.

As well as the changes to the pavilion, a feature art installation comprising metal, glass and LED lighting designed by SpaceInvader Design and Mancunian artist Lazerian and lighting specialist Artin is set to be completed by the end of June. The installation will feature ‘thread-like lines and holes’ in a nod to Manchester’s cotton industry.

The plans will also see Bunsik and the recently opened Blank Street Coffee, both of which are housed within the current pavilion structure, undergo refurbishment.

Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Piccadilly Gardens is a prominent location which we want to become an outstanding public space for residents and visitors alike. Later this year we look forward to sharing with the public our significant plans to transform the Gardens and the surrounding area.”

Featured image credit: LGIMRA