A touch of cafe culture is planned for the Gay Village as a trial is soon set to launch, bringing outdoor seating to more of the neighbourhood’s streets.
As one of the most vibrant parts of Manchester City Centre, the Gay Village is rightfully home to dozens of bars, cafes, restaurants and nightlife hangouts. Each year tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people choose to spend their time in one of the cultural touchstones of Manchester.
Because of that, the Council has been working to make that experience even better for the area’s businesses and the guests they welcome.
As part of the ongoing work through the Gay Village Action Plan the need for more outdoor seating areas was identified.
Already implemented in other parts of Manchester such as Thomas Street and Stevenson Square, we have seen what a massive benefit it can be for businesses to be given more space, especially during the summer months.
That’s why from July changes will be implemented at two Gay Village locations, providing more seating for the neighbouring venues.
The locations will be:
- Bloom Street, between Abingdon Street and Chorlton Street (creating space in front of New York New York, The Goose and The Eagle)
- Richmond Street, between Sackville Street and Chorlton Street
In order to put these protected spaces into effect, some changes to the existing road network will be made.
They will be:
- Bloom Street becomes one-way from Chorlton Street towards Princess Street
- Richmond Street is closed to through traffic between Chorlton Street and Sackville Street.
We know from talking to people who live in the Gay Village, who work there and who own businesses there that adding extra seating could be a huge boost for the area.
Initially, this scheme will run on a trial basis from 10 July to evaluate if it would be a viable long-term solution, and will continue throughout the summer to give the Council the best chance to gather feedback.
During this, plans will also be in place to ensure that deliveries and loading can go about unhindered, as well as daily waste collection and access for residents.
Councillor Mandie Shilton Godwin, Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport, said:
“The Gay Village is one of our most precious communities. For decades the queer community has been able to call this neighbourhood its own, establishing a long and proud place in the history of the fight against bigotry and discrimination.
“Needless to say, it’s one of the most-visited places in Manchester and sees thousands of people tread its cobbled streets every year. Because of that we’re always looking at how we, as its custodians, can continue to support its legacy and ensure that it meets the needs of people who live and work there.
“We’re excited to be trialling additional outdoor seating for these streets, and we hope to bring the same success that we’ve seen in the Northern Quarter after putting similar schemes in place.
“But, above all this has to work for everyone, so I would urge people to take part in this consultation and help shape the future of the Gay Village.”