The dials would stretch through the city centre linking Salford Quays and the City of Manchester stadium.

And even though Manchester has 461 fewer hours of sunshine a year than Paris and 136 less than London, architects believe the plan would be a success.

One of the dials would be a staggering 600 feet high and another could even draw on solar energy so it can carry on telling the time during cloudy spells.

At lunchtime when a lot of people are walking about, it seems to rain Greg Keeffe, Manchester Metropolitan University

Greg Keeffe, bio-climatic architecture lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: "The city has got a fantastic solar resource.

"It's generally sunny in Manchester in the morning and evening, but at lunchtime when a lot of people are walking about, it seems to rain."

An exhibition of the sundials plans is due to open on Saturday at the city's Urbis museum.

Mr Keeffe said: "Part of the reason we set this exhibition up was to highlight the depth of talent in architecture and design here in Manchester."

All the sundials must be able to tell the time accurately, and the scheme has been backed by the North West Arts Board.