Few
cities in the world have embraced social change so heartily
as Manchester. From engine of the Industrial Revolution
to test-bed of contemporary urban design, the city has no
realistic provincial English rival. Its domestic dominance
expresses itself in various ways, most swaggeringly in the
success of Manchester United, the richest football club
in Britain, but also in a thriving music and cultural scene
that has given birth to world-beaters as diverse as the
Hallé Orchestra and Oasis. Moreover, the city's concert
halls, theatres, clubs and café society are boosted
by England's largest student population and a blossoming
gay community whose spending-power has created a pioneering
Gay Village.
For
inspiration, Manchester's planners look to Barcelona –
another revitalized industrial powerhouse – and, like
Barcelona, the promise of a major sports event has powered
much of the recent urban regeneration. The city didn't get
the Olympics, though it wasn't for the want of trying, but
instead landed the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
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Manchester Aquatics Centre
"The Manchester Aquatics Centre is a world class water
sports facility created - at a cost of 50 million pounds.
It is the only centre in the UK with two 50 metre pools
along with a 25 metre diving pool, flumes and bubble pools.
Other facilities include 1,500 permanent spectator places,
well equipped gym, a poolside cafe and creche."
Manchester United Museum & Trophy Room
The legendary Manchester United Football Club opened Britain's
first purpose-built football museum in 1986. It charts the
history of the team for over 100 years - from its birth
in 1878 to the present day. Using photographs, sound and
video, the museum excels at capturing the imagination and
transporting it to important games and events which have
marked United's eventful history. With over 1000 exhibits
and displays (where you can do things like add your own
match commentary or check out the Fanzone), there is plenty
to see. You can also join a guided tour of the stadium -
these are held at regular times throughout the days on which
the museum is open.
Printworks
Created from the shell of a major national newspaper printers,
Printworks is one of the latest redevelopments to be created
in the wake of the 1996 IRA bomb. At a cost of £150
million the building has been completely refurbished to
provide what has been described as Europe's first major
urban leisure and entertainment complex. Inside, there is
over 350,000 square feet of floor space containing over
30 cafes and bars, 16 restaurants, a health and fitness
centre and the only IMAX cinema in the region. The cobbled
walkways and cavernous spaces create a strange, neon lit,
almost futuristic atmosphere with massive flickering videoscreens
and constant loud piped dance music.
Museum of Science & Industry in Manchester
The Museum of Science & Industry has won many awards
for its interactive, hands-on approach. This makes it great
for children, who love to grapple with - rather than just
look at - exhibits. Stand and look in awe at a Beyer Garratt
locomotive (one of the largest ever built) or walk through
a perfect reconstruction - down to the sounds and smells
- of a 19th-century sewer! Admission is free except for
special exhibitions.
Triangle
(The)
"The Triangle is another example of the awesome pace
of redevelopment within Manchester city centre. Created
from the fine, Victorian Corn Exchange buildings - close
to the cathedral - it has become a high class shopping centre,
offering some of the best shops, restaurants and bars in
Manchester. There are plenty of places to visit over 3 floors
including Space NK, Calvin Klein, Jigsaw and the only Zinc
Bar and Grill outside London. The top floors of the development
are also home to major local radio station Galaxy 102."
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