First look images in plans to redevelop the pavilion at Piccadilly Gardens have been released, and they give a glimpse at the future of the community hub.
The plans include removing the canopy overhead, splitting the concrete pavilion split into two separate sections, and refurbishing the two restaurants
Legal & General Investment Management Real Assets (LGIMRA) – which owns the concrete pavilion that carves Piccadilly Gardens off from the tram lines and bus station – also plan to install an art installation along the concrete wall.
Metal, glass and LED lighting on the walls would feature thread-like lines and holes in a nod to Manchester’s famous industrial past, with new lighting also added around the perimeter of the pavilion.
Piccadilly Gardens and the surrounding areas have drawn a reputation for crime, drugs, and violence in recent years, but work to revamp the site began in 2020 – when a concrete wall known locally as the ‘Berlin Wall’ was demolished.
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These new redevelopment plans come ahead of a wider £25 million investment to give the public space a facelift.
A planning application has now been submitted by LGIMRA, the company which bought Deansgate Square’s North Tower two years ago.
Manchester City Council is also in the process of shortlisting urban landscape teams after launching the first phase of an international design competition to improve the area back in October 2021.
Speaking on the release of the first images, Rob Codling – senior fund manager at LGIMRA – said: “This project creates an excellent opportunity to increase the approachability of Piccadilly Gardens and make spending time there a more enjoyable experience for residents and visitors to the city.
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“We are pleased to be moving these plans forward and to be engaging with local artists to start to create a public space that Manchester can be proud of.”
“Piccadilly Gardens is a busy and important place in the heart of our city, but we know that there’s considerable scope to improve it,” Bev Craig – Leader of Manchester City Council – added on the plans.
“We want to transform Piccadilly Gardens into an outstanding public space [that’s] welcoming, family-friendly and capable of hosting a wide range of events.”
Featured Image – LGIMRA
News
Fatman Scoop has died at 53 after collapsing on stage
Daisy Jackson
Fatman Scoop has died at just 53 years old after a medical emergency on stage in the States.
The rapper, real name Isaac Freeman III, was rushed to hospital but has tragically passed away, his family and agent have confirmed.
Fatman Scoop was one of the biggest names and most common voices on dance floors across the world in the mid-noughties.
He was best known for his work with Missy Elliott on Lose Control, and Mariah Carey on It’s Like That, as well as his 1999 hit Be Faithful.
His tragic death has been confirmed by a statement released by his family this afternoon.
They wrote: “It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop.
“Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.
“FatManScoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend.
“He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage.
“FatMan Scoop was known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club. His music made us dance and embrace life with positivity.
“His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
“As we mourn the loss of FatManScoop, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the countless lives he touched.
“FatMan Scoop’s legacy is of love and brightness, it will reside in our hearts and memories forever.”
Fans fume as Ticketmaster sells ‘In Demand’ Oasis tickets for £355
Daisy Jackson
A new ‘In Demand’ ticket type has suddenly appeared in the ongoing scramble for the Oasis reunion tour.
Fans are voicing their frustrations after making it through almost four-hour-long queues to find that tickets are HUNDREDS of pounds more expensive than advertised.
This is what Ticketmaster says about In Demand tickets: “Promoters and artists set ticket prices. Prices can be either fixed or market-based. Market-based tickets are labelled as ‘Platinum’ or ‘In Demand’.”
It basically means that the huge demand for Oasis tickets has lead to some of them being sold at higher, dynamic prices, much like the way flights and hotels get more expensive when demand is higher.
These In Demand tickets for Oasis do not include any extra package details – they are the same general admission tickets as all the others.
Fans are absolutely stunned at the development after Oasis made a huge point of not allowing tickets to be listed on resale platforms for anything more than face value.
One person posted: “How the f*ck is this even allowed??? You said standing was £150 and upped them to £356 and called them ‘in demand’ you bunch of robbing f*ckers”
Another wrote: “‘In demand standing ticket’ is just a standard standing ticket except double the price. No difference between Ticketmaster and touts.”
Someone else said: “That feeling when you wait in a queue for four hours only to be told the price of the ticket has risen from £148 to… £355??? Because they’re ‘in demand’. How is this not illegal?”
One person posted: “putting prices up from £148 to £350 for Heaton park as “in demand standing”… as opposed to what?!? There’s no other choice it’s a f*cking field”
Another said: “Well there’s 4 hours of my life I’ll never get back! Get to the front of the queue to find “In Demand standing tickets” are only available at £355. For that price I’d want to be on stage playing guitar and singing Wonderwall myself.”