A major overhaul of a popular city centre square will include a two-way cycle lane running through its heart, the council has confirmed.
Work to make Stevenson Square, in the Northern Quarter, more ‘pedestrian and cyclist friendly’ will start next month, council chiefs have announced today (May 25). The project will include a range of changes to the public space, three-quarters of which was permanently pedestrianised last year.
The work is ‘a long-held ambition’ of Manchester city council, according to the Executive Member for Environment and Transport. Coun Tracey Rawlins, who also said the project will make the area more accessible.
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“It’s been a long-held ambition of ours to make Stevenson Square a more welcoming and accessible place,” Coun Rawlins said. “The steps that will be put in place over the coming months will help make this area a more vibrant and accessible part of Manchester.”
Over the pandemic, the square was temporarily fully pedestrianised but a deal was struck between the council and bus firms to keep three-quarters of the space vehicle-free last year. That was to avoid a legal challenge from bus firms, which would have required the square to return to motor traffic while legal proceedings were ongoing, the MEN understands.
Construction teams move in on Monday, June 5. The changes to the square include new pedestrian crossings, a two-way cycleway, and removal of parking spaces.
The work is expected to last until October 2023.
If residents have any queries or concerns please send an email to nqwalkingcycling@manchester.gov.uk.
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