Work On Manchester's Albert Square Begins

Artists impression. Credit: Manchester City Council

Work to transform Manchester’s Albert Square into a world class public space has finally begun, upon completion the area will increase its size by approximately 20 per cent and together with improvements on the Town Hall is currently the UK’s largest heritage project.

The extra space is being created by stopping vehicles using the roads around the square and only allowing traffic on the Princess Street side. The work is expected to be completed in 2024 and aims to make the area "a place of international significance, pride and influence" according to a council spokesperson.

Manchester Town Hall 1870’s. Credit Historic England.

This first phase was due to take 2 years but has been brought forward and will be completed next year, designed to minimise the impact on those businesses that surround the area.

Albert Square faces one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings, Manchester Town Hall, which was constructed between 1868-1877, using around 14 million bricks. The cost was estimated between £775,000 - £1,000,000, which today would be around £72,000,000 - £93,000,000.

The refurbishment of this glorious building is set to cost Manchester City Council £300m.

Credit: Jefferson Air Photography.