Public participation in this project has been very important.

First, they chose Emmeline Pankhurst as the ‘woman of significance to Manchesterr to be commemorated wuith a statue.

In 2017 they then voted on the six shortlisted designs for the statue. 5,850 people voted.

Hazel Reeves ‘chair’ design Rise Up Women won the popular vote and was the unanimous choice of the shortlisting panel.

The statue will be unveiled in St Peter’s Square – subject to gaining the necessary approvals – in March 2019.