Gay Village pedestrianisation

A large part of the city centre’s gay village is being turned into a pedestrian only area following huge support from residents and businesses. A busy stretch of Sackville Street is to be closed to cars during weekend nights to improve road safety for people visiting the area.

The street will be closed to traffic between its junctions with Brazil Street and Richmond Street, creating a large pedestrianised zone that also includes Canal Street.

The scheme is being set up following a trial in 2009 which was supported by people visiting the village, as well as by businesses and Greater Manchester Police who said it reduced the number of road accidents and crimes in the area.

If given the go-ahead during next week’s executive meeting, the scheme will be set up by April next year, using money from the City Council’s parking service.

Bollards will be used to turn Sackville Street into a pedestrianised area from 8pm-5.30am on Friday and Saturday nights as well as on nights before bank holidays and during special events. Emergency services vehicles will still have access to the street.

Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council city centre spokesman said: "Manchester’s gay village attracts thousands of people from all over the world to the city centre, and this scheme will encourage even more visitors to come and enjoy the excellent pubs and clubs we have on offer."

Councillor Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council’s executive member for the environment, said: "This scheme is needed to improve road safety for people visiting that part of the city centre.

"The trial we held was a huge success, supported by residents, businesses and the police, and we’ve since been tweaking the original scheme to make sure we’ve got it right."
Greater Manchester Police Chief Inspector, John McNeil said: "This is something that we would support. The pedestrianisation of Sackville Street would add to the safety of the village and allow people to enjoy the night life of the area while remaining safe."

Andrew Stokes, chairman of the Village Business Association (VBA), said: "The pedestrianisation of Sackville Street will have a positive impact on thousands of people’s experience of the gay village as a leisure destination. The VBA supports the proposals and looks forward to its introduction in 2012."

Published: 27-Oct-2011: (863)