THE character of Manchester's Gay Village could be threatened by a massive bus terminal planned for the area, campaigners have warned.
The M.E.N revealed last year the council and Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive had drawn up a wish list of radical changes if a bid for government cash is successful.
These include a massive expansion of bus, train and Metrolink services, with pedestrians given priority in a new `low-traffic' area, and the speed limit reduced to 30mph on an expanded Mancunian Way.
They also involve a new bus interchange at Chorlton Street, where up to 200 buses could leave per hour. But campaigners say the terminal would swallow up the car park where the main Gay Pride festival stage is traditionally put up.
They have called for extra time to discuss the plans they say could `dramatically' alter Village life.
Coun Pat Karney said: "These are radical proposals and it's important that GMPTE get this right. The Village is a special place and we need to protect that. The devil will be in the detail and that's why we're calling for an extension to the consultation."
A council spokeswoman said the Regional Centre Transport Agency, which is developing the plans, had closed the consultation but was willing to listen to comments.
She said: "We fully recognise the important contribution that the Village makes to the economy, diversity and vibrancy of the city centre.
"We're committed to protecting and promoting this difference and creativity."
The transport masterplan could be in place within a decade if it is granted £1.2bn from the Transport Innovation Fund.
To share ideas, e-mail
consultrcts@manchester.gov.uk
Tweet
Bus 'threat to Gay Village life'
February 13, 2008
Chorlton Street bus station
Showing comments 1 to 18 and replies | View All
Molly 4 (13/02/2008 at 11:47)
robbie (13/02/2008 at 12:29)
this development will happen..
its long been known the counil want rid of the gay village
Laura Norder, Didsbury (13/02/2008 at 12:47)
The car park is used once a year for the 'Gay Pride' bash; the bus station would be used innumerable times over the year. And surely the proposed bus station/transport hub would be bringing in a huge revenue too.
I've enjoyed many a good night in 'the Village', and there's no conflict of interest as far as I can see.
It's a bustling, city centre area and, unless you've lived there since before WWII (in which case you may have a point), it has been thus... If you didn't like it, you should have moved somewhere more in keeping with true village life.
bigalfromwigan, Wigan (13/02/2008 at 13:03)
If the gay pride march needs a stage, there are plenty of other venues for it, why halt progress for the sake of a one day per year event?
Nimby-ism at it's best and of course anyone who doesn't agree with the objectors will be accused of homophobism... you can't win.
alvinlwh (13/02/2008 at 13:03)
firetrap_lad, Hulme (13/02/2008 at 13:22)
We should all buy the car park together and that would sort it out...
The council again going gun ho it would be a sad day!!!!
Why not just knock the whole village down!!!!!
picks, manchester (13/02/2008 at 13:49)
The council are slowly and surley getting rid of the Village bit by bit.
I've no doubt that the council have already made their minds up about this going ahead regardless of peoples feelings and opinions.
Secret Squirrel (13/02/2008 at 14:28)
As for the pride festival. big deal. Its just an exercise in profiteering by the bar owners these days. You wan't a festival? No problems - there's a tailor made venue called Castlefield Open Air Arena
Secret Squirrel (13/02/2008 at 14:32)
Oh, and before anyone accuses me of anti-gay rhetoric. I'm gay myself so forget it. Oh, and get yourself to the Northern Quarter
Anthony McCaul, City Centre Campaigner, Manchester Labour, Manchester City Centre (13/02/2008 at 15:10)
Tomo81, Droylsden (13/02/2008 at 15:43)
ace, manchester (13/02/2008 at 18:57)
rive gauche, Manchester (13/02/2008 at 19:07)
What annoys me about this wish list for transport improvements is that it doesn't include anything for cycling. I think there should be more cycle lanes in Manchester and a dedicated cycle route between the city centre and the University, like Oxford Rd. just for cycles and pedestrians to improve quality of life for students. Maybe some electric buses, OK I've nothing against them. I walked to Manchester Museum down Oxford Rd with all that filth belching from busses, what a horrid experience. These buses are killing us.
Adam Browne (13/02/2008 at 19:52)
The least that could be done is to close and empty it every pride weekend for the festival.
It's sad that Manchester is slowly having it's identity ripped away....
voxpop (13/02/2008 at 22:19)
Look ar Piccadilly Gardens the city centre is a sterile void.
Duane, Manchester (13/02/2008 at 22:37)
Whoever thinks up these plans should be shot!
terresa (14/02/2008 at 06:22)
Edward P (15/02/2008 at 15:18)
The car park isn't just used for Pride it is used as a car park all year round. There was a car park at the Princess Street and whitworth Street junction but that was sold off and is turning into apartments. It is a huge building and hundreds opposed it but it still went through. I have a friend who lives in the apartments on Bloom Street he/she will have their view blocked out by this building and now when going out of the fronto door will have a bus depot opposite. The council give planning permission for apartments, a lifestyle is sold by the developer and then the council have no interest in the residents after and put up what they want. This particular aprtment is in neagtive equity and has been on the market for three years. Why more apartments? Why build more and take away more parking space? It's prejudice in it's ugly entirety.