Outline some of changes which have occurred in Manchester since 1996.

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Manchester Metropolitan University

 “Outline some of changes which have

occurred in Manchester since 1996.”

Introduction

I am going to introduce some changes which have taken place in Manchester since bomb blast in 1996. As a result, there have been some economic, social and architecture changes, but this article is going to focus upon the changes of architecture. As well known, this blast destroyed many constructions in city centre of Manchester. On the other hand, the rebuilding provided Manchester an opportunity to obtain a new vision for the twenty-first century as well.

The Background of the bomb sites

At 11.15 am on Saturday June 15th 1996 an IRA bomb exploded in Manchester city centre. The 3,300 lb IRA bomb situated in a white van at the junction of Cross Street and Corporation Street and Market Street, brought damage to people, businesses and the built environment. An initial survey showed that some 1,200 buildings had been damaged, over an area over 1.2 million m2. Some 49,000 m2of retail space and 57,000 m2 of office space had to been taken out of use and would have to be rebuilt. 1 Such as the Marks & Spencer store, Arndale shopping centre, Royal Exchange Theatre and the Corn Exchange, the Royal Insurance Building (Lonridge House) and the Environs of St Mary’s Gate.

New vision of Manchester

Manchester, the original industrial city, is full of energy. In the aftermath of bombing, it had been rebuilt quickly. After a very few weeks of bomb a Lord Mayor's fund had been set up to help stricken businesses, and the decision had been made to turn the IRA's violence against itself, and rebuild a city better than ever it was. “Most of the money for rebuilding came from the private sector, but the government contributed £43 million and the EU £22 million.”1 () Nowadays, a new city center has already been brought to us. I am going to explain some highlights of these.

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Original medieval in town

History and context played a role in the redevelopment plan. It is most successful to reintegrate the Cathedral into the city centre by creating a new pedestrian street, New Cathedral Street. It can be access by pedestrian from Victoria Station to King Street, during retail hours. ‘The area around the Cathedral was the original medieval focus of the city. ’2() It was recognized with the provision of a heritage centre in 2001 which would tell how Manchester developed from Saxon times to the early modern age.

Garden that grew from bomb blast

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