Manchester City Council has launched the second phase of proposed permanent traffic changes to Deansgate this week.
It comes alongside a fresh consultation to “understand public opinion”.
The pedestrianisation of the city centre’s major thoroughfare has long been the subject of debate, especially after the Council declared a ‘climate emergency’ in July 2019.
But the conversation was brought to the forefront after a section of the road between Blackfriars Street and King Street was closed to vehicles back in May 2020 to help with social distancing and support the economic recovery of the city after the first COVID-19 lockdown.
Since the road was first temporarily closed, Manchester City Council says that support has “remained strong” for these changes to be made permanent.
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The next phase of consultation on the proposed permanent changes to Deansgate is now open until 26 July, and we want to hear your thoughts on this important project.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 28, 2021
A previous consultation – which was launched back in September 2020 – found that the general public was “overwhelmingly supportive” of steps taken to fully close this key route.
Council leaders now say they are keen to build on that support “in the best way”.
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Currently, Deansgate is closed to general traffic yet open one way for buses and taxis only. Going forward, the Council is proposing to keep these current restrictions in place, while still allowing some access to these vital transport methods – but the authority is keen to hear the thoughts of Mancunians.
Do you think Deansgate should be closed to general traffic for good?
You can now have your say up until 26 July 2021.
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Deansgate could be partially and permanently pedestrianised / Image: David Dixon
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment, said: “The Council as part of the City Centre Transport Strategy has for over 10 years sought to make real and lasting change in the city centre, altering the way so many of us travel in our day to day lives.
“We have been listening and will continue to do so as this consultation progresses as we want a city centre that works for all of our residents, visitors and businesses.
“The Council has bold ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2038, and radically increase the number of people walking and cycling or using public transport to travel to the city centre – 90% of peak morning journeys by 2040.
“Changes like this to Deansgate will lay the foundation we need to achieve these goals.
“I’d urge as many people as possible to take part in this consultation, and have your voice on Deansgate heard.”
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What changes are being proposed?
Some of the permanent changes being proposed by Manchester City Council in this latest round of consultation include access to the section of Deansgate between Blackfriars Street and King Street will be limited, except for open one-way travel in a southbound direction for buses, taxis and cycles.
Measures will be in place to improve pedestrian and cyclist usage and safety.
King Street to Quay Street will become permanently one-way only for all traffic, in a southbound direction with the northbound carriageway closed. A contraflow cycle lane will run for the length of Deansgate from Quay Street to Blackfriars Street in the closed off northbound carriageway.
St. Mary’s Parsonage will remain closed to traffic at its northern end to prevent traffic from diverting around the closed section of Deansgate.
The second phase of proposed permanent traffic changes to Deansgate has been launched this week / Credit: Manchester City Council
A bus gate will be created on Bridge Street after its junction at Left Bank, meaning that only buses, cycles and taxis will be able to drive out of the city centre across the River Irwell into Salford via this route – but traffic coming into the city is unaffected.
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Gartside Street between New College Street and Bridge Street will be one-way northbound with a segregated cycle route in a southbound direction.
Buses will be permitted to travel northwards on Cross Street, and general traffic will not be able to proceed any further than the junction with New Market.
You can have your say on the proposed plans via the Manchester City Council website here.
Featured Image – Geograph (David Dixon)
UK News
England international and ex-Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan dies at 75
Danny Jones
Football veteran and legend of the English game, Kevin Keegan OBE, has sadly died at the age of 75.
A former Liverpool and Newcastle player, not to mention England international, turned Manchester City manager and even Three Lions boss, his death was announced on Monday, 20 July.
The news comes following a battle with illness since the start of the year, after it was revealed that he was tragically diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer back in January.
The original ‘King Kev’ before the likes of De Bruyne, also affectionately known in the footballing world as ‘Mighty Mouse’, is said to have passed away with key members of his close family by his side.
Confirmed via a public statement issued to Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves, they wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.
“The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. “Kevin, a double Ballon d’Or winner, was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather.”
Put simply, he had an incredible career and leaves a lasting legacy.
It goes on to read: “The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time, and they are requesting space and privacy.”
Naturally, tributes are already flooding in online, with ex-pros, pundits and fans alike labelling him among England’s best-loved father figures and characters, with one user notably dubbing him as “one of football’s good guys.”
Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, after battling cancer.
The England, Liverpool and Newcastle United legend will be remembered as one of English football's most decorated players. pic.twitter.com/oNIPUV806n
Even at his fiery and most passionate best, he was still one of the most respected figures in the history of English football and the sporting world at large.
For instance, arguably his most iconic interview as Newcastle boss ahead of his team’s clash against Manchester United back in 1995/96 only showed how mild-mannered he often came across.
Our thoughts go out to his friends, family, former teammates and all those mourning the familiar face with a famously good head of hair.
Featured Images — Sky Sports Retro (screenshots via YouTube)/WikiCommons/Manchester City
UK News
When Manchester City’s cheap tickets for £10 or less go live, and how to get your hands on them
Danny Jones
For those who missed the news, Man City recently announced a new tier of affordable tickets for those living in the East Manchester area, essentially providing those living in the local area with match experiences for just a tenner.
In fact, those eligible for concessions can grab a seat for only £7.50 and nearby kids under 18 for merely a fiver as part of the scheme.
Now THIS is the kind of stuff we want to see from football clubs.
Essentially based on postcode proximity to the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City supporters who fit the native criteria can put their name in for numerous Premier League, domestic cup and European games this season; but how exactly does it work?
Put simply, Mancs living in the Manchester City Council wards listed below, which immediately surround the ever-expanding home ground and wider Campus, can apply:
Miles Platting & Newton Heath
Ancoats & Beswick
Ardwick
Clayton & Openshaw
Gorton & Abbey Hey
Man City local residents scheme – how does it work?
For starters, it’s worth noting that between 100-500 unreserved tickets will be put aside for each game in the coming 2026/27 campaign, all of which will be assigned via a random ballot.
Those who meet the criteria (i.e. live in the aforementioned areas) also don’t need to have an official Matchday Membership; you simply need a Cityzens account, which can be created totally free.
Once your address has been verified, you can enter the ballots for your chosen fixtures, and then it’s just a case of keeping your fingers crossed that your name gets pulled out of that.
You can see a full list of FAQs, along with the relevant terms and conditions, right HERE.
You can expect even more Man City Women’s matches on the biggest stage following their latest title.
When do they go live?
At present, tickets for upcoming Manchester City games will be available across the board from 10am GMT on Tuesday 21 July.
However, fans are being encouraged to sign up to the club’s mailing list for all news and ticketing updates, especially when it comes to this new localised discount category.
With the Etihad currently in the middle of a major redevelopment, including even more seats up in the newly expanded North Stand, Blues should stand an even better chance of getting along to a game or two than ever.
It’s also worth noting that the section of the arena has been officially named after their beloved manager and club legend, Pep Guardiola, who left the serial winners this summer after a decade – a farewell period which will now be covered in an upcoming documentary.
With new head coach Enzo Maresca having now returned to the club in the top position after previous roles as assistant and U23s/EDS boss, plenty will be hoping to be there for the start of this next chapter for the Blues.
They’ll also be welcoming back their Champions League, Ballon d’Or, Euro 2024, Club World Cup and now World Champion in Rodri for the fast-approaching 26/27 term.
Emily Sergeant -
29th June 2021 
