Council to replace grass at 'mud bath' Piccadilly Gardens left looking like 'the Somme' after Christmas Markets

The council is set to replace grass at Piccadilly Gardens, which has been likened to a 'mud bath' and war trenches after the Christmas markets.

Recent photos show how grass at the city centre gardens has become trodden and sparse following a range of recent events there, including the EURO cup fan zone, Christmas market stalls and recent New Year's Eve countdown event. Some areas remain blocked off with temporary railings.

The council is understood to be working on plans for the turf to be replaced 'as soon as possible' in order to transform the gardens into less of an eyesore, which councillor Pat Karney said was 'unavoidable' due to the huge crowds drawn to the site over the festive period.

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On Twitter, @WCONNOLLY2512 shared a picture of the muddied gardens, writing "Piccadilly Gardens post Xmas markets. Just a mud bath and eyesore wooden/metal structures. The gardens are no more."

As @EddyRhead likened it to war trenches, posting: "COMING SOON TO MANCHESTER'S WORLD CLASS PICCADILLY GARDENS. The Somme Experience - recreate the thrills and spills of trench warfare at Manchester’s newest tourist attraction."

The grass is to be replaced at Piccadilly Gardens 'as soon as possible' (Pat Karney)

Councillor and city centre spokesperson Pat Karney told the Manchester Evening News that the turf will be replaced 'as soon as possible', acknowledging the state the city park has been left in in recent weeks due to the Christmas markets being held there for another year.

He added: "As you can see, Piccadilly Gardens is in its post-Christmas conditions. It's an unavoidable mess after thousands attended the Christmas celebrations. It is all temporary until we get Albert Square back in use for the markets.

"We will be re-turfing it as soon as possible before it is used for St Patrick's and St George's day celebrations next."

The raised wooden platforms, used during the Christmas markets, as viewing areas during the women's EURO cup final and as bar spaces during the New Year's Eve countdown remain at the gardens currently.

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