Plans for a permanently pedestrianised Stevenson Square have been unveiled. The Northern Quarter square has been closed off to motor traffic since 2020 on a temporary basis.
In that time, calls to fully pedestrianise the square — which is now lined with tables and chairs from some of the city’s coolest watering holes — have been growing. Now, the council has released its plans for the new version of the plaza.
Although the three-quarters of Stevenson Square will be pedestrianised permanently, one area will be reopened for buses, which the Manchester Evening News understands is a ‘compromise’ with operators to keep the scheme afloat. Other measures include the installation of a bike lane, and removal of parking bays on nearby Hilton Street.
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“We are pleased that the vast majority of the space in the square has been preserved for pedestrians and cyclists, and we will be working with businesses to ensure they can maximise the benefits of these changes,” Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said.
“For a long time the Council has been committed to the full pedestrianisation of Stevenson Square and we remain so but for now we will provide limited access for buses and Hackney carriages in a small area of the square.
“For the Council our bigger picture is being at the forefront of a switch towards walking and cycling in the city centre and turning places like Stevenson Square into vibrant and economically strong neighbourhoods.”
Alongside the retention of ‘limited access’ for buses and Hackney carriages, via Lever Street to link up with Oldham Street and Piccadilly, there will be:
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The pedestrianisation of most of Stevenson Square
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A two-way cycle lane will run through Stevenson Square at carriageway level, with cycleway demarcation blocks on one side, and tactile crossings put in place and new signage for cyclist.
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Pedestrian and cyclist crossings will be installed at the junctions of Oldham Street/Hilton Street, and Newton Street/Hilton Street. Footpaths will be widened in the area to give more space over to pedestrians.
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Pay and display bays in Hilton Street will be removed.
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Some loading bays in the area will be relocated to allow for these changes to be made, whilst still retaining important space for businesses to trade.
The council has not yet confirmed a timeline for making the changes to the Square.
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