The last of the Christmas stalls have been removed and the turf is set to be re-laid, but the square could be fenced off again in just a few weeks time
19:23, 30 Jan 2026Updated 19:32, 30 Jan 2026
Coun Pat Karney in Piccadilly Gardens (Image: Pat Karmey)
Part of Piccadilly Gardens is to be returfed next week after the last of the Christmas Markets were taken down. Metal railings put up for the markets are also being removed, city centre spokesperson Coun Pat Karney said.
But it might only be a temporary return to normality. As the M.E.N. reported yesterday in just a few weeks the square could be fenced off again.
Temporary hoardings 2.4m high could be erected around the public square for 18 months ahead of its latest redevelopment. Documents submitted alongside a planning application state that, if approved, the illuminated fencing would go up on March 9, initially on a smaller area around the fountain, before being expanded to enclose most of the gardens.
Try MEN Premium NOW for just £1
In a planning statement submitted with the fencing application AHR Architects said: “The proposed temporary hoarding and site investigations at Piccadilly Gardens are essential enabling works that will inform the future redevelopment of this important city centre space.”
In October long-awaited multi-million pound plans for the redesign of the much-maligned square were unveiled. It could see the fountains ditched, anew bigger playground and a permanent events space.
Crowds at Piccadilly Gardens Christmas Markets
Walls at on the Piccadilly end will be knocked down and lighting will be improved, while plans for a new transport interchange are also in the pipeline. Speaking at the time, Coun Karney described the proposals as the ‘biggest change’ in Piccadilly Garden’s history.
He said: “Piccadilly Gardens isn’t living up to anything like its potential at the moment but it could and should be a great public space for Manchester. This plan promises to be a massive leap forward.”
Comments are closed.