Manchester City Council has confirmed today that plans submitted to demolish part of the concrete wall in Piccadilly Gardens have now been approved.
Intention to demolish part of the wall was first revealed to the public back in early March.
The council submitted a planning application for the removal of the small, curved section of the wall that it owns and separates the gardens from the bus station on Parker Street last month, and leaders say it will be the first stage in a major overhaul of the city centre’s largest public square.
At present, there has been no date set for when the work will be carried out, but the council’s city centre spokesperson Cllr Pat Karney said he hopes it will be “in the next few weeks”.
He said: “We’ve waited for this for over a decade,”
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“It’s a symbol of the renewal of Piccadilly Gardens – it’s the first step but there’s a lot more to come.”
According to the MEN, it’s believed that around £2 million has been allocated for the demolition work – as well as carrying out surveys, design work, and a public consultation on how to improve Piccadilly Gardens – after many years of complaints about crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
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Although the budget for the full revamp has not yet been finalised, it is understood to be in the region of £10 million.
Geograph / Gerald England
The demolition work to dismantle part of the infamous wall – which has unfortunately become known as a notorious hotspot for drug-dealing, the congregation of large groups to congregate and the scene of violent incidents – is not not anticipated to cause major disruption to the area.
It has however been said that work may affect the adjacent tram stop however.
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Officials said that removing the wall will improve “sight lines” in the gardens, which will make it easier for police to monitor the area and discourage criminal behaviour.
Speaking on the initial announcement of demolition plans earlier this year, Sir Richard Leese – Leader of Manchester City Council – said: “This is a key step in the transformation of Piccadilly Gardens. We have been listening to people’s views about the area and we are determined, working with principal landlords, businesses, residents and property owners in the nearby area, to support changes to make it a thriving and welcoming place.
“We know we have got to start investing in the area now to deliver a space which meets the aspirations of Manchester people.
“The fact that we are planning to commit so much funding to the first phase of the scheme alone hopefully underlines the extent of our commitment.”
There has been no further indication as to whether the rest of the wall is to be demolished in due course.
Further information can be found via the Manchester City Council website here.
News
Daughter pays heartbreaking tribute to dad at centre of Salford murder investigation
Daisy Jackson
The daughter of a man who died in Salford last week has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her ‘beloved dad’, who is now at the centre of a murder investigation.
44-year-old Mohamed Omar was found at an address after officers were called to Great Clowes Street at round 7.50pm on Tuesday 6 October.
He was unresponsive at the time officers arrived, and despite the efforts of emergency services and medical professionals, died a short while later.
Five men, aged between 24 and 35-years-old, were arrested on suspicion of murder and have since been bailed while enquiries continue.
Now, Mohamed’s daughter has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her father, describing him as someone who could ‘light up a room’.
She said: “To my beloved Dad. You were loved so much, not just by me, but by everyone you crossed paths with.
“You worked so hard throughout your life, always giving so much of yourself to the people around you. You had an energy that could light up a room, and no matter what, you could always make someone laugh.
“No one deserves to have their life taken. You were taken from us far too soon, and it hurts knowing there was still so much more for us both to experience together. You have left a mark on us all, and it still feels surreal knowing you are gone. I wish we had more time together.
“I hope you are in a better place, resting peacefully with Nanna and Grandad. I hope you know how much I love you and that I always will. You will live in my heart forever. Until we meet again, Dad. From your daughter, Layla.”
Also paying tribute is one of Mohamed’s friends, who said: “I still can’t believe you’ve been taken from us. I never imagined I would have to face a world without you in it. You weren’t just my best friend; you were family, someone who held a special place in my heart that nobody could ever replace.
“My heart is broken knowing that you’re no longer here with us. There are so many things I wish I could say to you, so many memories I wish we could make, and so many moments I wish I could have back.
“You didn’t deserve what happened to you. I will carry your memory with me for the rest of my life, and no matter how much time passes, you will never be forgotten.
“Rest peacefully, my best friend. Until we meet again, you will forever have a place in my heart. I love you always, and I will miss you more than words could ever explain. From your brother Lee Yassein.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact police. Reports can be made via 101, the LiveChat function on our website , or through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police issue urgent appeal after three-vehicle collision on M62 leaves woman ‘seriously injured’
Emily Sergeant
Police have issued an urgent appeal to the public following a collision involving three vehicles on the M62 over the weekend.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that, at approximately 10:10pm this past Saturday (10 October), officers received reports of a collision involving three vehicles on the westbound carriageway between Junctions 20 and 21 of the M62 motorway.
A large emergency services response attended the scene – including colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), as well as GMP.
When they arrived on the scene, they found that a woman in her has 60s sustained ‘serious injuries’, and at this time, she remains in hospital for treatment.
Initial police enquiries have indicated that a Mercedes van was involved in a collision with a Volvo, which subsequently collided with a Vauxhall Insignia.
A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and remains in custody for questioning.
While enquires are ongoing, officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward, and say they are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident.
Can you help? Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact police via 101 or through the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting incident number 3374 of 10/10/26.
Information can also be provided directly to the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, or alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Simon Brace (via Wikimedia Commons)
The Manc -
14th August 2020 
