"Ben-UK's Manchester page" a Manchester Travel Page by Ben-UK

My home city -- I've lived here all my life and of course seen many changes over the years, some good, some bad.

The construction of the Arndale Shopping Centre, which opened in 1976, was the first relatively recent major change to the appearance of the city centre -- the stark, yellow-tiled edifice drew complaints generally but it's prominence has since softened with change and the latest glass-fronted extension will fit in with surrounding developments.

The demise of nearby Salford docks in the 1970's gave way to the inspired Salford Quays development and the recent Lowry Centre and Imperial War Museum additions there have made it an excellent location.

1992 saw dramatic change on the city streets with the introduction of the Metrolink tram system (the last time Manchester had seen trams was in 1949) -- plans are afoot to further develop the network of this hugely popular transport system.

The IRA bombing of 1996 (thankfully no loss of life) whilst tragic for affected businesses, actually led to a regeneration of the area at the Deansgate end of Market Street and stores such as Harvey Nichols have now made it their Manchester home.

Manchester's roots are in the cotton industry and the warehouses around the city connected to that trade are now being converted into fashionable living accommodation.

The canal network that serviced the Industrial Revolution has been cleaned-up and canal-side locations are now desired for both offices and housing.

The staging of the 2002 Commonwealth Games saw further improvements to Piccadilly train station and Piccadilly itself and further planned developments in this area should see Piccadilly Gardens re-establish itself as the focal point of the city -- I hope so anyway ...

So, lots going on in Manchester -- it's a good place to live, big-city attractions, friendly people and not far from the countryside.

This Intro photo is of the Old Wellington Inn (ahead) and Sinclair's Oyster Bar (to the right) in the city-centre area known as The Shambles.

The Old Wellington Inn dates back to the 16th century and Sinclair's probably to the mid18th century. However, Sinclair's has actually been moved twice -- once in the 1970's to make way for the nearby Arndale shopping centre and both pubs were moved some 150 metres from their original site as part of redevelopment after the aforementioned IRA bomb hit this part of the city in 1996.

Opened in 1877, the Town Hall dominates Albert Square in the city centre.

12 large murals by the Pre-Raphaelite painter Ford Madox Brown grace the interior.

Albert Square is mainly pedestrianised with bars and cafes surrounding the perimeter.

A view of the Quays with the Lowry Centre in the background.

The Salford Quays development has been one of the major successes here in recent years -- the old Salford Docks area has been completely transformed with waterside housing, a shopping mall and the the opening of the Lowry Centre and the Imperial War Museum North.