Manchester City Council has given the go-ahead for a major transformation of Piccadilly Gardens in a bid to improve safety and change perceptions of the city-centre park.
Work is due to begin in November and will include new lawns, more trees, a larger playground, extra CCTV and improved lighting.
The project, a collaboration with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), aims to tackle anti-social behaviour and make the area more welcoming.
Council officers approved the scheme on Friday after no objections were received from the public, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Leader of Manchester City Council Garry Bridges said improving Piccadilly Gardens was a “big priority.”
“Securing planning permission means that before this year is out, we can get started properly on work to transform the space and have it finished and ready for the public to use next year,” he said.