Canal Square, Ancoats

The principles and design criteria set out in the Ancoats Public Realm Strategy were first tested in the implementation of Canal Square. The site is adjacent to the busy Inner Ring Road and so the new square announced the regeneration of Ancoats within the city and established a new contemporary design language with high quality materials. The design makes the most of the available space, being uncluttered and open. The space adjoins the Rochdale Canal and so connects Ancoats again with the transportation network that allowed access to shipping all over the world. The canal footbridge had high wing walls removed so as to increase visibility in all directions, enhancing the network of safe pedestrian routes. The hardwood seats encourage people to use them in different ways. The new space exemplifies the public realm aspiration, being steeped in history, refreshingly simple, pedestrian friendly and readily maintainable.

Client

New East Manchester

Date

2003 to 2004

Team

Civic Engineers, engineer / Simon Fenton Partnership, quantity surveyor