What do you think about Manchester city centre?

A recent Confidential article called for Manchester City Council to listen to residents and the Council has not disappointed, with a wide-ranging survey on the state of the city centre launched this week.

People who live, work in or visit Manchester city centre are being asked for their views from Monday 29 July.

As you might expect, the Council promise to “reinforce what people like about the city centre, while improving the response to its challenges.” The last city centre review identified Manchester’s “cultural offer, diverse communities, architecture, transport infrastructure and independent retailers” among its strengths. But respondents found that Manchester suffered from problems too, including issues with anti-social behaviour, litter and waste, homelessness, begging, peddling and the condition and maintenance of some public areas. 

We have a good understanding of the many strengths of our vibrant city centre and are equally clear about some of the complex challenges

The survey follows on from a major city centre review in 2016 which aimed to support business confidence, upskill residents, improve safety, increase connectivity and become low carbon. The review ring-fenced a £4.5m one-off investment to assist with achieving these targets.

One of the recommendations of the original review was the creation of a post of Manager of City Centre Public Services with a salary of £64,574 to £71,295. One of the many duties of the position was to look at homelessness and drug use within the city centre. The review report concluded that drug use, homelessness, street begging and litter were “affecting the look and feel of the city.”

Topics that might be on the minds of residents could include anti-social behaviour, public spaces, the cleanliness of the streets, improving the city for cyclists and, a perennial classic, the state of Piccadilly Gardens. 

Or perhaps residents will laud Manchester's amazing culture, shopping opportunities, huge range of festivals or the ever-changing architectural face of the city.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We have a good understanding of the many strengths of our vibrant city centre and are equally clear about some of the complex challenges. Whether it’s helping to support people who are rough sleeping off the streets, or improving the environment in places such as Piccadilly Gardens, we are working hard on improvements. 

“But this survey gives us valuable extra insight into people’s experience of the city centre, which is crucial in shaping our strategies. I’d encourage everyone who spends time in Manchester city centre to take a few minutes to fill in the survey and give us their views.”