Busy Northern Quarter street to become permanent pedestrian and cycle zone

Thomas Street is to become traffic-free seven days a week as part of an ongoing programme by Manchester city council to create more room for people to walk, cycle and queue outside local businesses.  

A pedestrian and cycle zone was introduced on the busy Northern Quarter street in May last year on a trial basis for weekend and Bank Holiday evenings, after public consultation revealed support for the move. The council now wants to make the change permanent.

The council is also conducting a review of the potential for extending traffic-free hours for other city centre areas which have already been pedestrianised including Canal Street, King Street, Market Street and Exchange Street (St Ann’s Square).

Footway widening schemes have been carried out at London Road and Princess Street in the city centre, plus on Ashton Old Road in Openshaw, Cheetham Hill Road, Wilmslow Road in Rusholme and at Manchester Road, Chorlton, to make more space for people to walk to and from major public transport hubs.

This work involves the installation of temporary barriers or cones to create more space for people, with bus stops being relocated and parking bays suspended where required.

 A range of further footway widening schemes are due to be implemented across the city in the coming weeks. Footway decluttering work is also currently being planned to further help with social distancing. This will involve reviewing whether existing street furniture such as signs and poles can be removed or relocated, to increase the available space for people.

Thomas Street will be closed to vehicles from Saturday 30th May, with the exception of daily windows for loading from 6-10am and 6-7pm. Residents and businesses can email [email protected] with their feedback.