Buses will return to one of Manchester's most popular city squares tomorrow. Stevenson Square, in the Northern Quarter, has been pedestrianised for more than two years.
The area has become a popular outdoor space for the square's bars, with a vibrant atmosphere during the warmer months. It was initially closed off to traffic to encourage more walking and cycling in the area during the Covid pandemic.
But now, the site has been prepared for the return of buses from December 30. It's understood that the move follows a disagreement between bus firms and Manchester Council, which had wanted to keep the square fully pedestrianised.
As a ‘compromise’, one lane of the south-west route connecting Lever Street and Spear Street will reopen to buses and black cabs from tomorrow. Previously, the road - which runs outside Fred Aldous, Dusk ‘Till Pawn, and Noho - was used as a bus stop.
Ahead of the return to traffic, signs have been put up reminding pedestrians to look out for buses and cabs, with revellers having been used to enjoying the pedestrianised space over the past couple of years. There are hopes pedestrianisation could return to the square in future, when the city's buses fall under public control as part of the Bee Network, the M.E.N. understands.
Blue badge holders will also be allowed access to the area as part of a pilot, but any other vehicles passing through the area risk incurring a penalty charge notice. A bus stop has been removed and double yellow lines are in place to prevent traffic waiting in the area.
When the move was announced earlier this month, Coun Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We have always sought to balance the needs of everyone in Manchester, whether that is cyclists and pedestrians or those who need to use public transport.
“This compromise will ensure the vast majority of space in Stevenson Square will remain for pedestrians and cyclists whilst making part of the road available for public transport. I hope this will set the tone for how we can create integrated neighbourhoods which prioritise active travel and help the council work towards its aim of becoming zero carbon by 2038.”
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