The Gay Village
The Gay Village is a truly unique and vibrant area of the city centre. Located next to the Rochdale Canal, it has a mix of residential, commercial and leisure destinations. It's home to the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. The flourishing gay culture created a safe and welcoming village-like community. And it's world-famous for its night-time and leisure scene.
We've collaborated with the local community to create an action plan for the Gay Village. It looks at how we can preserve the character and spirit of the area. And how we ensure the needs of the LGBTQ+ community are at the heart of anything taking place in the Village.
As part of our commitment to the Gay Village, a series of listening exercises have taken place. So we better understand the priorities, wants and needs of the community who live in, work and visit it.
There are a range of proposals to enhance the area in the short and long-term. They include:
- Developing a neighbourhood management plan for improvements to the physical environment
- Replacing damaged trees in Canal Street
- Ensuring resident and business safety by conducting an audit of CCTV coverage. And improving relationships with Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
- Identifying opportunities for street art and murals
- Developing a social history and heritage trail for the Village
It's important to note that collaboration has been at the centre of the development of this plan. And it will continue to be important during the roll out of any changes. Action groups will engage with key stakeholders and encourage participation.