German landscape stars Latz + Partner has won the design competition with a ‘carpet of paving’ and a grove of trees.
The city’s Cenotaph will also be relocated and placed on a plinth raising it to the same height of the Central Library colonnade.
Plans for a new landmark to reinvigorate Library Walk are also being integrated with the St Peter’s Square plans.
A striking glass and stainless steel structure will provide a covered link between the central library and the town hall extension, enabling direct access from both sides into the buildings.
A planning application will be submitted later this summer and will include plans for a Peterloo Memorial, which are still being developed.
The rest of the design team consists of Arup Associates (transport, structural and civil engineering) and Speirs and Major (lighting design).
St Peters Square could see around 1m sq ft of new offices built in the next decade, anchored around One St Peter’s Square by Argent and Greater Manchester Property Venture Fund.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “St Peter’s Square is an important public space which has not been living up to anything like its full potential.
“But we believe the regenerated square will be a symbol of both the city’s heritage and its growing international standing – somewhere Manchester and Mancunians can be proud of.
“We are already seeing private sector-led new office development at One St Peter’s Square and are expecting further planning applications in the months ahead.”