People are being asked from today, Monday 21 December 2020, to give their views on proposals to close part of Deansgate to traffic.
Manchester City Council is consulting on an experimental traffic order which would see a section of Deansgate between King Street West and Blackfriars Street only open to pedestrians and people on bikes.
In addition, it is proposed that the section of Deansgate from King Street to Quay Street becomes one-way only, in a southbound direction (with the northbound carriageway closed).
After the impact of the experimental order has been monitored for at least 12 months, a decision will be taken whether to make the order permanent.
Under the proposals, St Mary’s Parsonage would remain closed to traffic at its northern end.
A new bus gate would be created on Bridge Street, after its junction with Gartside Street, meaning that only buses would be able to drive out of the city centre across the River Irwell into Salford via this route. This bus-only corridor door is designed to complement the other measures in the experimental order and to support public transport.
Provision would be made for access for deliveries (between 6am and 8am Mon-Sat), waste collection and emergency services.
Councillor Angeliki Stogia, Executive Member for the Environment, Planning and Transport, said: “We believe there are significant environmental and safety benefits to the closure of this section of Deansgate, which should be a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages at the heart of the city.
“We’re making these proposals in support of our vision for a greener and healthier city centre, with cleaner air, more space to walk and cycle and more reliable bus journeys in and out of the city. However, before decisions are made, it’s crucial that we get the views of the people and businesses that any closure would affect.
