This reconstruction included the structural relocation of two pubs to make room for the new Marks & Spencer store.

Today the square is a major shopping area including branches of high-end department stores Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, New Cathedral Street, the Corn Exchange and an entrance to the Manchester Arndale, one of the most-visited shopping centres in the United Kingdom.

To the west lies Shambles Square (with The Old Wellington Inn) and Manchester Cathedral.

[2] Construction on the extension started in 2014 and the entire Second City Crossing scheme was opened on 26 February 2017.

[3] The most recently installed wheel, operated by Great City Attractions, had 42 passenger cars and was 60 metres (200 ft) tall.