Piccadilly Gardens is undergoing yet another transformation into a shipping container event space

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It’s all change again at Manchester’s troubled Piccadilly Gardens, which is now home to a huge stack of shipping containers.

A new event space is being created on the public square as Manchester is announced as a host city for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Fan Festivals.

Piccadilly Gardens was temporarily transformed into a decked outdoor street food hub for the Manchester Christmas Markets last year – and that construction has never been dismantled.

Manchester City Council says that using the space positively for events is helping to reduce some of the anti-social behaviour that plagues the area.

Plans for a new-look event space at Piccadilly Gardens. Credit: Supplied

So now the space is being developed even further, with several large, rusted shipping containers stacked up in the area.

The two-storey concept includes a bridge across the walkway and will soon be covered in plants.

Cllr John Hacking, Manchester City Council’s executive member for employment and leisure, said: “We are currently working to develop the event space in Piccadilly Gardens ahead of the UEFA Women’s Euros that begins in July.

Shipping containers have appeared in Piccadilly Gardens. Credit: The Manc Group

“This will include a big screen area, food and drink traders and public space to create an official fan area.

“The beginning of the build is now visible at the event space in the Gardens and will undergo planting and dressing ahead of the Euros competition.

“There is then the potential for the event structure to be retained for the events programme that is being developed for the coming months, including Christmas this year. This could include a performance space, community area, children’s activities and more.

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“Using the Piccadilly Gardens space positively through activity and events is already reducing some of the more problematic anti-social behaviour in the area.

“The recent Manchester Day Youth Zone is a good example and we are continuing to develop a programme of events that will ensure the Gardens is welcoming for families and visitors alike.”

You can find out more about the UEFA Women’s EURO Fan Festivals here.

Featured image: The Manc Group