Piccadilly Gardens: what do you think needs to be done to improve the area?

While some see Piccadilly Gardens as a welcome green space in the heart of the city centre, others see it as a hot-spot for crime and antisocial behaviour.

Manchester City Council is currently asking for bids to transform the well-known city centre area in a design contest and has a construction budget of around £25m.

However, there have been a number of anti-social behaviour incidents in the area of late, including a large-scale fight last Friday evening involving schoolchildren in uniform.

We took to the city centre to ask people for their views on the area in our video report.

Students Liv and Emily said it’s a great central meeting place and is close to amenities.

However, 53-year-old Latitia said she doesn’t like going there anymore due to the criminal behaviour that takes in the area.

She said: “It’s become a hot-spot for young guys picking up girls and also people selling drugs.”

What have police said?

Chief Inspector Wignall, from GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “We’re aware of the concerns around Piccadilly Gardens and would like to reassure the community and those in the city centre that we have a dedicated team and policing operation namely Operation Perseus which continuously works with all of our partners to improve safety and combat issues in that area.

“We want the city centre to remain a desirable place to live, work and visit and will take all steps necessary alongside our partners to ensure those involved are dealt with appropriately or brought to justice.

“Anyone with concerns can report it online at www.gmp.police.uk.”

A dispersal order was put in place in the area over the weekend after police were called to reports of a disturbance, involving a large group of young people, mostly school children, fighting. 

Chief Inspector Wignall added: “Officers investigating the reported disturbance which took place in the area on Friday night are continuing to carry out a number of lines of enquiry including extensive CCTV trawls.

“The disturbance is believed to have involved a group of young people, with a large number of spectators.

“The investigation is ongoing and we’re working with partners, schools and colleges to speak to those believed to be involved.”

• Let us know what you think of the area: tweet us @MancWorldUK or email [email protected]