Six design teams have been chosen to move forward to the next stage of an international design competition to create a world-class space in the area centred around Piccadilly Gardens.
The six shortlisted teams included the following design firms:
- Fira Landscape Ltd
- LDA Design
- Ove Arup and Partners
- PLANit-IE Ltd
- Studio Egret West Ltd
- West 8
The teams will now have until autumn to bring forward their design proposals. The successful design team will be appointed in 2023 to further develop the design with the Council ahead of the appointment of a contractor to carry out the work.
The 10-acre site covered by the competition also includes Mosley Street, Parker Street, the section of Portland Street which runs alongside Piccadilly Gardens and the section of Piccadilly which borders the Gardens.
Its prominent gateway 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 to spend time.
The design brief envisages that Piccadilly will be a special place with a strong sense of identity, welcoming and uniquely Mancunian and allowing for the flexible hosting of events: A place for all, incorporating space where children can play, and one that is fully accessible.
The brief recognises that it is important to the people of Manchester to retain a green space in the centre of the city. It calls for planting to encourage biodiversity and improve air quality in line with the Council’s wider environmental goals while recognising that this may need to be rationalised to provide a flexible space that tens of thousands of people walk through every day.
The estimated construction cost for the project is £25m.
Text credit : Manchester City Council