What do you think of Piccadilly Garden’s ‘bold’ new light installation?

Piccadilly Gardens has long been a focal point of debate among Mancunians, with its Pavilion standing as a particularly divisive feature.

Installed in 2002 as part of the city’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games, the structure has often been criticised for its cold, monolithic appearance and its perceived lack of warmth and accessibility.

For many, it has become a symbol of the area’s struggles with anti-social behaviour and urban decay, with its fortress-like design creating a barrier rather than creating a warm, inviting space.

However, a bold new redesign promises to address these concerns, aiming to transform the Pavilion into a more welcoming, vibrant, and integral part of the city’s landscape

A local-led redesign

Manchester-based design studio SpaceInvader, leading a team of local creatives, has reimagined the Pavilion, originally installed in 2002 for the Commonwealth Games.

Over the years, the structure faced criticism for its “monolithic” and uninviting design, as well as its role in blocking visibility, a factor associated with anti-social activity.

“The Pavilion at Piccadilly Gardens has been a subject of debate since its inception,” explained John Williams, Founder of SpaceInvader.

“We recognised the need to address these issues while respecting the Pavilion’s place in Manchester’s urban landscape.”

The planners say that the  redesign dramatically alters the Pavilion’s structure by removing the connecting roof and bulky walls, allowing natural light to flood the area and creating open thoroughfares.

This increased visibility aims to deter anti-social behaviour while enhancing pedestrian access.

Shopfronts have been refreshed with sleek black frames, and new linear lighting accentuates the structure’s perimeter, creating a ‘modern and inviting aesthetic’.

‘Weave’: A Celebration of Manchester’s Heritage

The centrepiece of the redesign is ‘Weave’, a vibrant art installation created in collaboration with local artist Lazerian and lighting specialists Artin.

This imaginative feature transforms the Pavilion’s outer wall into a tribute to Manchester’s industrial heritage, evoking the textures and patterns of woven textiles.

Using existing tie holes in the concrete wall, SpaceInvader and its collaborators have added colourful acrylic discs and RGB lighting that shifts dynamically with the time of day. By night, the installation glows with customisable colours, marking festivals such as Pride and Christmas, while by day, liquid metal inlays shimmer in the sunlight, adding a tactile elegance.

“The new installation represents the threads of our Mancunian culture and how we are woven together as a community,” Williams said. “It’s a playful yet meaningful addition that we hope will encourage pride and respect for the space.”

Durability was central to the project. The installation is designed to withstand wear and tear, with high-level lighting rods and deeply inlaid metallic elements that are resistant to tampering. The combination of form and function ensures that the redesign will endure as a positive feature of Piccadilly Gardens for years to come.

A new ra for Piccadilly Gardens?

This transformation marks the beginning of broader improvements planned for Piccadilly Gardens. Supported by Manchester City Council, the redesign aligns with efforts to make the area more welcoming, family-friendly, and attractive to residents and visitors alike.

“These changes have already had a positive impact,” commented Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council. “The improvements to Piccadilly Gardens’ appearance, combined with increased security measures, are helping to create a more vibrant and inviting space for everyone.”

For the SpaceInvader team, the project has been a labour of love. “Many of us are proud Mancunians,” said Williams.

“Contributing to the city’s urban fabric is an honour, and we’re thrilled to see Piccadilly Gardens stepping into a brighter future.”

As the heart of Manchester evolves, the redesigned Pavilion stands as a testament to the city’s creativity, heritage, and resilience, offering a space that celebrates its past while looking boldly to the future.