In pictures: Albert Square renovation work now at half-way point in Manchester city centre

Manchester’s Albert Square has started opening up again as the construction phase of the Our Town Hall renovation project reaches its half-way point.

The southern end of the square is mostly open, having been resurfaced in the spring, and some of the square-facing restaurants have been able to put out outdoor seating again.

Scaffolding still encases the Grade I listed Town Hall and most of the facade is covered.

The renovations, which began in January 2018 with the closure of the Town Hall, are set to be completed in 2024 and have a budget of around £330 million.

However, the coronavirus pandemic and inflation have impacted the project, as well as discoveries during the course of the refurbishment.

Deputy Council Leader Cllr Luthfur Rahman, lead member for the Our Town Hall project, said: "The Our Town Hall is the biggest and most complex heritage project underway anywhere in Britain right now. It’s progressing well, but in a very challenging environment.

"We’re not only safeguarding this important Manchester icon for the next century, we’re also ensuring that when the town hall reopens the public will have improved access to its story and its fascinating artefacts.”