Opportunities from Manchester's Urban Change

• Manchester Bomb

  • A bomb was detonated in Manchester on the 15th June 1996
  • The bomb destroyed Corporation Street and the Arndale causing £300 million in damages
  • The IRA were responsible but sent warnings so 75,000 people were evacuated
• Social Opportunities

  • China Town (UK's 2nd oldest) and Curry Mile
  • Nightlife in the Northern Quarter and Spinningfields
  • Music venues with the AO arena, Palace Theatre and Bridgewater Hall
  • Sports facilities with the Aquatics Centre and Velodrome
  • >150 shops and 12,500 free parking spaces at the Trafford Centre and >38 million annual visitors to the Arndale Centre
• Economic Opportunities

  • >30 media companies based at MediaCity UK at Salford Quays, e.g, BBC, ITV, Sky
  • Unemployment fell from 38% to 6% in 10 years
  • >44 million journeys are made each year by Metrolink
  • Oxford Road's Green Corridor prioritises buses, bicycles and pedestrians
  • Bee Network with join buses, trams, cycling and walking together
• Environmental Opportunities

  • 14% of Manchester is covered by green spaces, e.g., Piccadilly Gardens, Whitworth Park
  • Increasing greenery as derelict areas are revitalised, e.g., Bridgewater Hall Pond
  • Urban greenery, e.g., Deansgate Metrolink's green wall