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Majority of Stevenson Square to be permanently pedestrianised under new plans
The roads in the square have been closed since the 2020 lockdowns
Plans to permanently pedestrianise Stevenson Square have been unveiled by the council this week.
The area, situated in the heart of the Northern Quarter, has become one of the city’s most popular al fresco dining spots following the temporarily closure of its roads during the 2020 lockdowns.
As a result of these road closures and various Covid restrictions, restaurants and bars in the area spilled out into the square, where they have remained for the last two years.
The new lay out has proved to be overwhelmingly popular among business owners and punters alike, and there have been numerous calls to making the pedestrianisation permanent.
Manchester’s Finest Group
And this week, the council has released its own plans for the new version of the square, which will see three-quarters of it permanently pedestrianised and closed from traffic.
Other plans include the opening of a cycle lane and the removal of parking bays on Hilton Street. One part of the square will remain open for buses.
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.
“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.
Manchester’s Finest Group
“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.”
Other planned improvements to the square include:
- The pedestrianisation of most of Stevenson Square.
- A two-way cycle lane, which will run through the Square at carriageway level, with cycleway demarcation blocks on one side, and tactile crossings put in place, as well as new signage for cyclists.
- 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.
- Pay and display bays in Hilton Street will be removed.
A timeline or expected date for the pedestrianisation is yet to be announced.