Triangle de-clutter plans submitted

Aviva Investors, owner of the Triangle shopping centre, applied to Manchester City Council for the first phase of the transformation of the shopping centre and Exchange Square.

The phase one proposals focus on restoring the building's Edwardian architecture by removing all the old signage, metal structures, out-dated lighting and repairing the damage to the historical stone facades. This work will be marked by the introduction of new signage, announcing the welcome return to its original name, Manchester Corn Exchange.

There will also be a new external lighting scheme to show off the building as a historical landmark. Later phases will include partially opening up new holes in the façade to improve pedestrian flows through the centre and reconfiguring the retail and leisure units.

Philip Nell, Aviva Investors' head of UK retail funds real estate, said: "We've tried to ensure that these proposals complement the wider plans to revitalise this key part of Manchester. We believe they will help bring new vitality to the centre and restore its heritage which will bring many benefits to the city centre."

The proposals submitted for planning are part of the wider plans to revitalise this key part of the city centre. These will respond to the potential created from the planned siting of the new stopping-point in Exchange Square for the Metrolink Second City Crossing, with the vital public realm changes required to enable it to integrate successfully with and enhance the Square.