We have been sent this, think it’s probably interesting, but haven’t had the time to investigate. We do know that our friends at “Mad Cycle Lanes” are miffed about the chaos on Victoria St.
‘The Living Street’ to inspire all at ‘Dig The City’
Groundwork, the environmental regeneration experts, are to take over an area near Manchester Cathedral to show Mancunians how healthier and greener living ideas could be recreated on their doorsteps.
Groundwork Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford (MSSTT) are to temporarily make the recently pedestrianised Victoria Street, adjacent to Manchester Cathedral, into an urban garden as part of ‘Dig in the City’, the inaugural Manchester Garden Festival taking place in the centre of Manchester between 24th and 29th July 2012.
Groundwork MSSTT plans to bring to life the 150metre street, promoting the longstanding Groundwork vision of “changing places, changing lives” by showcasing a wide range of projects linked, amongst other things, to health and wellbeing, play, environmental sustainability, social enterprises, community cohesion and food growing. Elements of the Groundwork show gardens at the RHS Hampton Court event will be transplanted into the centre of the city
“This will be a visually stimulating and thought provoking display, where we turn tarmac into a green oasis” said Groundwork’s Senior Landscape Architect, Julie Hyslop. Instead of having garden festival events out in the country, Groundwork along with Manchester Cathedral and the City Council are bringing the countryside into the city. People will be able to see how becoming more connected with the environment even in urban spaces can really improve their lives and make them feel better. “With plans to inspire and change the perceptions of the public to help them imagine the possibilities Victoria Street can have. ‘The Living Street’ will be peppered with interactive live demonstrations, training workshops and talks to help educate, enthuse and interact with the general public.”
Groundwork has been “changing places, changing lives” since 1982, with over 35 independent Trusts now working across the UK to support those neighbourhoods facing the most significant challenges. Although the world is a very different place in 2012, there are still many parallels with 1982. “Communities are being buffeted by economic forces beyond their control “a concern expressed by Groundwork UK, as part of Operation Groundwork. “ Unemployment is high and social tensions are simmering. There is a need for new thinking about how we manage land and green spaces and increasing urgency about the real and unstoppable impacts of climate change. 30 years on, Groundwork still holds on to that vision and forever pledges to help make a brighter future.”
‘Dig The City’ will take place immediately after the RHS Tatton Show, aiming to create an urban garden show in the centre of Manchester.
manchester climate monthly 
Exchange Square was green and pleasant until the council decided to concrete over it, build an artificial river (a stones throw from the River Irwell) and call it The Triangle. And what I can see, is that they are putting in place floral displays, when we should be moving towards growing food, which can also look pleasing.