Work to transform Albert Square into ‘world class public space’ begins today

Work to transform Manchester’s Albert Square area into a ‘world class public space’ and increase its size by around 20% has officially begun today.

The improvements are coming as part of the ongoing Our Town Hall project, which began in 2018 with the primary aim to fully restore the Grade 1 listed Town Hall in the largest heritage project in the whole of the UK.

The latest works to begin, however, are focusing on the area surrounding the Town Hall and have today closed the roads on two sides of the square to traffic by incorporating them as part of the pedestrianised public space.

Only the Princess Street side will remain open to traffic, considering that the fourth side of the square consists of the Town Hall itself.

Manchester City Council

The first phase of the development has been brought forward in efforts to reduce the impact of construction on local businesses following the Covid-19 pandemic, meaning it will be completed as early as next year, two years ahead of schedule.

The council has set out a number of objectives for the area’s transformation, one of the primary aims being to create an ‘enhanced destination and setting for the Town Hall that connects Albert Square with St Peter’s Square and Lincoln Square.’  

The council also aims to enhance the civic and heritage qualities of the square, provide a high quality safe space with appropriate security measures, improve the inclusiveness and accessibility of the public spaces and building entrances, provide green spaces to enhance quality of life and achieve carbon reduction objectives, and to improve the overall function and flexibility of the square. 

Councillor Bev Craig, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said on the transformation: “Albert Square is the civic heart of Manchester – a place where people come together to celebrate, socialise and commemorate. 

Manchester City Council

“These works will create a bigger and more flexible events space but also a more pleasant environment and cleaner air all year round. We believe that when it’s finished the transformed Albert Square will be one of the finest civic spaces in Europe, helping to create and support good jobs for Manchester people. 

“We’re already seeing the first of these benefits, with apprenticeships being created for local people during the construction phase.”  

Works on both the Town Hall and Albert Square are expected to be completed by 2024. For more information, visit the Manchester City Council website.