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Manchester council is to demolish a much-hated part of Piccadilly Gardens wall this month, marking the first step of the wider transformation of the area.

The demolition will begin on November 16, the council said, which will make it easier to move and see across the gardens.

Councillor Pat Karney, city centre spokesperson, said he is going to “mark it on my calendar”.

“This is only the first part of what will be much bigger plans to make Piccadilly Gardens the vibrant and inviting space at the heart of the city which it should be,” he said. 

The move is part of a regeneration scheme covering a part of Piccadilly, which also plans to “address improvements” to the Pavilion building, which includes other sections of the wall.

These improvements are yet to be determined and ideas will be shared with the public and businesses for feedback towards the end of the year, the council said.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Piccadilly Gardens is a much-used public space with huge potential.

“As the city begins its recovery from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and looks to the future, the regeneration of this prominent space will have a big part to play – hosting appropriate events and encouraging and supporting nearby business activity and job creation. 

“Improving Piccadilly Gardens and the surrounding area is a high priority for the council. Further ideas are in the pipeline but this demolition will be the first visible sign that change is coming.”