Piccadilly Place piazza set for major revamp

Huge lamps, reflecting various eras and centuries of innovation in Manchester, are set to feature throughout the piazza at Piccadilly Place in Manchester as part of plans to revamp the outside space.

Ranging from 3.4m to 6m tall, a total of five lamps will be installed each with a unique design. They include an Art Nouveau Tiffany lamp, an Art Deco style lamp, a traditional table lamp, desk light, and a shining beacon which shines on the front of Piccadilly Place. As well as providing lighting, the lamps will offer shelter and seating for people and incorporate electric heaters for the winter months.

The new lighting forms part of a planning application recently approved by Manchester City Council and submitted by HOW Planning on behalf of Property Alliance Group. Plans for new landscaping, paving, stairs, trees and plants were also approved.

Alex Russell, Managing Director of Alliance said: “These are visually striking lights which are unique to Manchester. We wanted to create something that’s not been seen before in the city centre and a wow factor, which will help draw more people to the piazza and improve the environment for those working in the area. From a classic lamp shade commemorating the people of Manchester right through to a modern, futuristic light, each installation has a story behind its design.

“These innovative new lights form a major part of our plans to transform the outside space at Piccadilly Place. They will be complemented by new landscaping and paving, which will also be very unusual. We’re planning a bold floor graphic that starts at the entrance and meets at the square, and colourful patterns within the tunnel entrance to create a big impact.”

Alexandra Eatough, Principal Planner at HOW Planning added: “The new, innovative design will improve the attractiveness of the space and encourage more people to use it as a destination. The new designs are attractive and quirky but practical, so will provide the perfect finishing touch to the Piazza.”

The new lighting is scheduled to be installed by the end of this year.

Three and Four Piccadilly Place offers 300,000 sq ft of office accommodation plus retail space with the piazza currently home to Starbucks, Pitta Pit and Anytime Fitness.