Last week saw the council open up a consultation on the future of the Northern Quarter – specifically transport through Stevenson Square and Thomas Street, and subsequently around the streets of the area.
For the sum of 11 million quid, they’re looking to improve the area with more cycling features, more trees and public spaces, smoother traffic flows, a reduction in on-street parking, pavement improvements, a partial pedestrianisation of Stevenson Square and full pedestrianisation of Thomas Street.
Under the plans, no vehicles travelling towards Piccadilly would be able to use Stevenson Square between Oldham Street and Newton Street (with Spear Street & Little Lever Street closed except for access) and Thomas Street to become a ‘Pedestrian Cycle Zone’.
This Pedestrian Cycle Zone will see Thomas Street closed to vehicular traffic except for loading 6am-10am and 6pm-7pm. Good news or bad news?
With Stevenson Square, they’re going for just a ‘partial’ pedestrianisation – which if you look at the mock-up images means that the side where Eastern Bloc and Flok are will be fullly pedestrianised – with a big cycle lane cutting right through it.
Personally, I’m not that keen on the cycle lane – as a cyclist I’d rather have it on the edge of the pedestrianised area – having it in the middle will annoy both pedestrians and cyclists alike (and probably cause a fair few collisions).
Whatever you think, you can have a say as the consultation is open to the public until Monday 17th February. You can comment and see all the proposals in detail below…
