Works starts on Piccadilly Gardens pavilion revamp
Legal & General Investment Management has commenced the redevelopment of the concrete structure, one small part of the proposed £25m transformation of the maligned public space.
Plans to overhaul the Piccadilly Gardens pavilion – designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Tadao Ando – were approved in April 2022. The project includes the installation of new lighting and the removal of the roof that connects the building’s two commercial units, currently let to Bunsik and Blank Street Coffee.
Alongside the change to the pavilion, a feature art installation comprising metal, glass, and LED lighting designed by SpaceInvader Design and Mancunian artist Lazerian, with lighting specialist Artin will be completed by end of June 2024.
Rob Codling, senior fund manager for LGIM, said: “We are pleased to begin work on the site and hope that we achieve our combined aim with Manchester City Council in making the space a more enjoyable place for residents and visitors to the city.”
The redevelopment is designed to complement the city council’s wider ambition to transform Piccadilly Gardens and the surrounding area, according to LGIM.
LDA Design was appointed to draw up designs for the new-look Piccadilly Gardens last year. A planning application is expected later in 2024.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Piccadilly Gardens is a prominent location that we want to become an outstanding public space for residents and visitors alike.
“Later this year we look forward to sharing with the public our significant plans to transform the gardens and the surrounding area. In the meantime, it’s great to see this scheme – which will complement the wider plans – begin on site as the first stage in the transformation of the gardens.”
Colliers has provided project management and commercial management services for the project.
