Piccadilly Gardens, Public park in central Manchester, England
Piccadilly Gardens is a public park in central Manchester, England, featuring lawn areas, a fountain, and a concrete pavilion designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando in 2002. The site stretches between shopping streets and tower blocks, with wide paths running through open spaces and smaller planted sections.
The site served as a hospital location from 1755 before being converted into public gardens in 1914 after the Manchester Royal Infirmary moved elsewhere. A major renovation in 2003 altered the layout and replaced older elements with contemporary design.
The name comes from the nearby Piccadilly street, itself named after the London district. On sunny afternoons, office workers from the surrounding towers use the lawns as picnic spots, while commuters cross the pathways between tram stops.
The park sits within walking distance of the main train station and several shopping centers, making it a common meeting point. Visitors should expect heavy foot traffic during the day, as buses and trams stop directly at the edges of the park.
Computer-controlled fountains shoot up from the ground in changing patterns, creating a water display that shifts throughout the day. The jets were installed during the 2003 redesign and operate on a pre-programmed schedule.
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