St Peter’s Square, City Centre

What is St Peter’s Square?

St Peter’s Square is a major public square in the civic heart of Manchester, located at the intersection of Oxford Street, Peter Street, and Mosley Street. Originally the site of St Peter’s Church (built 1788 and demolished in 1907), the square evolved into a focal point for civic and cultural life (en.wikipedia.org).

The square is flanked by some of Manchester’s most notable buildings:

• Manchester Central Library – a 1934 neo-classical landmark designed by E. Vincent Harris.
• Midland Hotel – a grand Edwardian hotel opened in 1903.
• One and Two St Peter’s Square – modern glass and steel office towers.
• Manchester Town Hall Extension – linking the square to Albert Square.

It also features the cenotaph designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, a Grade I listed war memorial relocated within the square during its major 2014–2017 redevelopment. The transformation added new tram stops, widened pedestrian areas, and introduced landscaping and seating, making the square a hub for both transport and leisure.

Why Shoot Here?

St Peter’s Square offers photographers a mix of historic grandeur and sleek modernity:

• Architectural contrasts: Capture the curved Portland stone façade of the Central Library against the reflective glass towers.
• Tram photography: The Metrolink lines run directly through the square, creating opportunities for motion blur and urban energy.
• Cultural landmarks: Wide-angle shots can frame multiple historic and modern structures in one image.
• Best times to visit:
  • Golden hour for warm light on stone façades.
  • Blue hour/night for illuminated buildings and moving trams.
• Composition ideas:
  • Use the Central Library’s curve as a leading line.
  • Frame the cenotaph with surrounding architecture for a sense of scale.
  • Capture street-level activity to show the square’s vibrancy.

Further Information

• Wikipedia – St Peter’s Square, Manchester — history, redevelopment, and notable buildings
• Visit Manchester – St Peter’s Square — attractions and public transport links
• Transport for Greater Manchester – Metrolink Information — tram services through the square
• Historic England – Listed Buildings in the Square — heritage details for the Central Library, Midland Hotel, and Cenotaph