Savills plc
Savills plc
06/23/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/23/2022 04:14
Manchester on foot: a property walk through the city’s best cultural spots
Often called the Capital of the North, there's no doubt that Manchester is bursting with culture. From food and music to history and architecture - the home of the worker bee is as bold as it is beautiful.
Our walk begins at Manchester Cathedral. Dating back to 1421, it is one of 15 Grade I listed buildings in the city. The cathedral is not only adorned with beautiful stained glass and late-medieval wooden furnishings but also functions as a vibrant music venue, hosting regular concerts of all genres, from classical to rock, house and techno events. Whether you prefer a bit of Tchaikovsky or DJ Sasha, the cathedral will have something for you.
We'll then tread Deansgate until we reach Hardman Square in Spinningfields, the heart of the city's new financial centre. Described as the Canary Wharf of the North, Spinningfields sprung to life throughout the 2000s following a proposal to create a new central business district, consisting of 20 sparkling new office, retail and residential buildings. Hardman Square is home to a whole host of boutiques, restaurants and cocktail bars set within a beautifully landscaped public realm.
Continue along Deansgate and you're bound to spot Deansgate Square - a luxury development comprising four glass towers - up ahead. The towers provide apartments of exceptional quality as well as offering on-site restaurants, bars, shop, gym and pool for all residents. A soon addition to Deansgate Square will be the first cylindrical skyscraper in Manchester named 360, currently under construction. Offering panoramic views from every apartment, this new development in Deansgate represents an architectural masterpiece within a city of innovation.
If you're looking for an idyllic canalside escape, you can continue along Deansgate past the towers until you reach Castlefield, in the south-west corner of the city centre. Designated as a conservation area in 1980, here you'll find historic brick warehouses, viaducts, bridges and locks which all add to the area's distinct character. Potato Wharf, an impressive waterside development of one and two-bedroom apartments from developer Lendlease, can be found in Castlefield among the array of characterful bars and restaurants flanking the canal. Nearby, work has just begun on the disused Castlefield Viaduct to redevelop it into an urban sky park. This will see decking and planting cover the length of the viaduct, in a design inspired by New York's famous High Line.
From here, we'll take in the waterside views and continue following the Bridgewater canal until we encounter the world famous Canal Street, sitting at the centre of Manchester's Gay Village. Home of the original TV series, Queer as Folk, the pedestrianised street is lined with gay bars and restaurants and sees LGBTQ visitors from across the globe. If you can find On Bar, you'll notice the large plate glass windows on both levels. The design of this bar, originally opened as Manto in 1990, was regarded as a catalyst for the development of many of the current style of bars and clubs in the village. Before this, most of the bars or clubs were keen to conceal activities from the general public by omitting windows, but the architectural design of Manto was seen as a queer visual statement of the refusal to hide.
Finally, we'll meander back north through the city centre to conclude our walk in the Northern Quarter. The area is often described as the centre of alternative and bohemian culture in the city and is known for its unique resemblance to areas of New York, confirmed by its use in movies such as Captain America. It is popular today for its numerous trendy bars and cafés as well as its mix of music and clothes shops. Afflecks Emporium is a fantastic place to have a browse. Described as a totem of indie commerce, it represents a vibrant and diverse indoor market space for small retailers of all kinds. It is a true microcosm of the wonderful amalgamation of cultures and styles that have found a home in the city.