Why don't our city centres have municipal parks?

[puffling]

I live in Manchester. It has no parks apart from some lovely ones in the suburbs. Why do our cities historically not have grand city centre parks. I'd love to be in Barcelona right now, or Paris. DD and I woulds never be short of a day out and i wouldn't end up spending my money at the shops again!

They are all bought up by property developers? Or shopping centres? I agree, the cities that do have green spaces within them feel much more light and airey than really built up ones. And yes I think I would rather be in Barcelona than here right now too!

I agree, Manchester is rubbish for parks - much worse than London for example. Piccadilly gardens are pretty scummy, although with the fountains on it's a bit better. The only other place in the middle of town is that bit by Urbis - but there's no grass.