Manchester’s Gay Village to undergo revamp under new plans

New plans launched will preserve and protect the character of Manchester’s Gay Village.

Manchester City Council believes the area, centred around Canal Street, should be ‘celebrated’ for its role in providing a ‘haven and sanctuary’ for members of the LGBTQ+ community over the years.

The council wants to make improvements to the area, which will include new inspirational murals and a heritage trail, ‘to ensure the needs of the LGBTQ+ community are at the heart of anything which takes place in the Village’.

Council leader Bev Craig said the local authority wants to ‘make sure that its character and history is preserved for generations to come’.

Adding that the action plan hopes to ‘harness the energy of this community’, so ‘it fits the needs of the people who live, work and spend time in the Village’.

Proposals include development of a neighbourhood management plan to bring improvements to the physical environment, replacement of damaged trees in Canal Street, CCTV improvements, new street art and a history heritage trail for the Village.

Councillor Craig said: “The Gay Village is not only an incredibly vibrant, welcoming and safe space for our LGBTQ+ community but is a living monument to the progress made by those who fought against bigotry and hatred, and those who dedicated their entire lives to building a more tolerant and inclusive society. 

“I am immensely proud of the Village and as leader want to make sure that its character and history is preserved for generations to come.

“Through the launch of this action plan, we hope to harness the energy of this community alongside other stakeholders and partners in the community, shaping any future development so that it fits the needs of the people who live, work and spend time in the Village.” 

A spokesperson for the council added that a public consultation is set to be held through a series of ‘listening exercises’.