Quarter-mile of Deansgate could shut to traffic for good
A QUARTER-MILE stretch of Deansgate in Manchester city centre will be closed off to traffic from today.
‘Surface guard’ barriers will be installed – and come into operation – blocking off a section of the road between King Street West and Blackfriars Street.
And, confirming previous reports, council bosses have said they hope the change will become permanent, subject to consultation.
Campaigners have been calling for more pedestrianisation in the city centre to help people exercise while observing social distancing rules during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Emergency services will still have full access to the section of Deansgate closed, the council confirmed.
Morning time loading windows for businesses will also start on Monday. Loading times will be 6am to 8am – Monday to Saturday. The closure will mean Deansgate will be shut to traffic from the Kendals building right up to the St Mary’s Gate crossroads with Blackfriars Street.
The closure will apply to buses and all taxis.
The council said: “The partpedestrianisation of Deansgate will come into effect this weekend, creating a new shared space for pedestrians and people on bikes between Blackfriars Street and King Street West.
“Surface guard barriers are being installed, which will prevent traffic from accessing this stretch of Deansgate, with the exception of time windows for loading and essential access by emergency services.
“The move will aid the city’s economic recovery by making it easier for people to socially distance while getting to work or visiting local businesses, as and when restrictions on movement to restrict the spread of coronavirus are eased.
“Manchester council’s aspiration is for the change – initially being brought forward on a temporary basis – to become permanent, pending feedback gained through an open conversation with local residents, businesses and other parties about the effects of the closure.”
The council’s executive member for the environment, planning and transport, councillor Angeliki Stogia, said: “The partpedestrianisation of Deansgate is about people and their safety as they gradually return to work or visit local businesses.
“I encourage everyone to give us their feedback and let us know how the scheme affects them, so that we can work together to make it a success.”
Comments from the public can be submitted via email to trafficfreedeansgate@manchester.gov.uk