News
Demolition work to begin on ‘Berlin Wall’ in Piccadilly Gardens within days
The controversial concrete wall, which has stood in the city centre for nearly two decades, is set to be removed as part of a regeneration scheme in Piccadilly Gardens.
The Manc -
6th November 2020 
Demolition work on the unpopular ‘Berlin Wall’ in Piccadilly Gardens is set to commence within a matter of days, Manchester City Council has confirmed.
The controversial concrete wall, which has stood in the city centre for nearly two decades, is set to be removed as part of a regeneration scheme that will improve the appearance of the surrounding area.
Demolition work will begin on November 16.
A consultation on designs for Piccadilly Gardens will then take place before the end of the year.
Councillor Pat Karney said that the removal of the wall “should have been done a decade ago.”
Residents have campaigned for years for Piccadilly Gardens to be redeveloped – with the area carrying an infamous reputation as a hotspot for crime and antisocial behaviour.
The ‘Berlin Wall’ – a frequent canvas for vandalism and graffiti – is particularly abhorred, with complainants claiming the structure gives a ‘cold’ and ‘unfriendly’ feel to the gardens.
But removal work is set to start in just over a week – taking down the wall once and for all and sprucing up a city centre space in dire need of a facelift.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Piccadilly Gardens is a much-used public space with huge potential.
“The regeneration of this prominent space will have a big part to play [in the city’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic] by hosting appropriate events and encouraging and supporting nearby business activity and job creation.”
