New plans have been revealed to turn Piccadilly Gardens' infamous wall into a permanent perch for the town hall's 'Zippy' mascot.
Plans to finally demolish the loathed landmark were scrapped last month but the council pledged to spruce it up and plough millions of pounds into improving the rest of the public space.
Now city centre chiefs have announced they are extending the curved concrete partition - as a year-round home for the Father Christmas figure.
The mascot - nicknamed Zippy for his uncanny likeness to the Rainbow character - will be stripped of his Santa hat and beard and decorated for a range of seasonal events.
A pair of giant LED bunny ears are being built ready for his installation over the Easter weekend, and a pair of red devil horns will be fashioned for Hallowe'en.
The figure is usually hoisted on to the town hall roof in early November, where he presides over the Christmas markets and lights switch-on, but a major renovation of the grade I-listed building has forced the council to relocate him this year.
The council's city centre spokesman Pat Karney said: "We recognise the concerns about Piccadilly Gardens and we are working on plans to improve the security and environment.
"We need to find a new home for Zippy so he will go on the wall as an all year round attraction."
The plans were met with a mixed reaction from visitors in Piccadilly Gardens over the weekend.
Alf Loorip said: "Nonsense. Bring back the flowerbeds."
First look inside Stockport's Grade II-listed food hall The Produce Hall
