A MASSIVE revamp of St Peter's Square has been revealed by Piccadilly developers Argent.

Argent, who have been chosen to redevelop Elizabeth House at St Peter's Square, say they plan to do for the square what they have started to do for the Piccadilly area.

Improvements to the square, to transport, and to neighbouring roads including Mosley Street are promised as part of a wider plan to upgrade what was once the city's commercial heart.

A partnership involving local businesses and landlords - much like the Piccadilly Partnership created by Argent and Bruntwood five years ago - is to lead the effort.

Argent chief executive David Partridge, speaking exclusively to the M.E.N., explained how Argent, which has been behind the multi-million-pound regeneration of Piccadilly Gardens and the area close to Piccadilly Station, will tackle St Peter's Square.

"In many ways St Peter's Square is so much better located than anything else we've done. Although it is a bit run-down, it is brilliant for transport and perhaps not as run-down as some of the areas we've already ventured into in Manchester, London and Birmingham," he said.

Opportunity

"It's a real opportunity to do something with neighbouring landowners around St Peter's Square and Mosley Street, an area which is sadly neglected in Manchester. It was the traditional heart of the city, but it is run-down and whilst some developers have already begun to work in the area, we want to use our redevelopment of Elizabeth House to spearhead improvement in the area and use it to prompt a big re-think of the entire area for transport, pedestrians and businesses."

Argent's bid for Elizabeth House beat rival proposals from Development Securities, Miller Developments and Standard Life. The Greater Manchester Property Venture Fund, which owns the building, selected Argent after interviews. In March the fund will consider proposals to make a detailed planning application.

Nicholas Whipp, partner at GVA Grimley, which has been advising the fund on the future of Elizabeth House, said: "This will be a landmark decision for the core of Manchester and is another sign of the vital regeneration of the central area. Subject to planning, a building in excess of 350,000 sq ft could be located on the site, giving floorplates upwards of 25,000 sq ft in what is now regarded as the prime core of the city.

"The building will fall in with the regeneration of St Peter's Square and the important civic buildings of the town hall and Central Library. It is envisaged that the building will be available by 2011."

Argent are behind the massive redevelopment of London's Kings Cross, as well as working at Manchester Piccadilly.

What do you think? Have your say.