Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has signalled the closure of Piccadilly Gardens because of continuing antisocial behaviour despite the coronavirus lockdown.
He suggested fencing off the city's main civic square. After he made the comments on radio programme, council leaders agreed and the Gardens will now be closed off.
Officers have continued to make arrests in the Gardens where some still gather despite rules introduced earlier this week to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
People are being told to stay at home and only leave to shop for 'basic necessities', for medical reasons, to care for someone or to go to work where 'absolutely necessary'.