In May, a stretch of Deansgate was pedestrianised to help people practice social distancing. It was successful, well used, and responses to our survey showed it had strong local support. There were some teething problems, but they were addressed with the strong and welcome help from local residents. We also saw clear improvement in air quality along Deansgate.

A private bus operator challenged the temporary traffic regulation order put in place by the Council under national Covid-19 legislation.

A one-way portion of Deansgate, open only to buses, will be temporarily opened because of that challenge. And, we are working to bring forward the permanent closure of Deansgate quickly.

Local Labour Councillor Marcus Johns said: “From better air quality to more public space to enjoy our city, the temporary pedestrianisation of Deansgate was a really positive step.”

“I am so disappointed that rather than trying to work positively on routes, a private bus operator decided to pursue a legal challenge against the order. It is yet another case for the need to move quickly with franchising buses in Greater Manchester.”

“While we are moving as quickly as we can to bring in a permanent closure, I would encourage everyone who is frustrated by this to respond to the consultation, open now at gmconsult.org to call for bus franchising, so we can start putting people before profit and build a better future for our city.”

We have reopened our survey on the future of Deansgate – please let us know what you want to see below.

Please note, we will be sharing responses to this survey with Transport for Greater Manchester and Manchester City Council as part of their consultations on Deansgate and bus franchising.