Urban Regeneration

surfnslide

Nov 5

Every year we try to arrange a weekend away in Manchester built around a match day visit to the Etihad Stadium.

We always make a full day of things and this year the supporting theme was to visit a couple of Manchester's newly regenerated urban districts (with food and drink stop carefully included).

It was looking like a grand day weather-wise. We stayed at UF's place near Hyde. He lives at the top of a steep hill with great views across to Manchester. As someone who lives in a rural backwater I always find it a joy to be able to travel around easily by public transport and Manchester's combination of buses and an excellent tram system make this a integral and fun part of the day (even our first bus didn't show up!)

First on list was Mayfield Park. The website doesn't actually say what it was before but it has been brought back to life as an area of parkland by the river Medlock and a quite superb looking children's play area complete with long slides that take you above and over the river.

I can imagine my kids would have absolutely loved this place when they were younger and all of three of us adults were also looking quite longingly at the slides!

Its one the best examples I've ever seen of just what a bit of thought (and money) can do for what I can only imagine was a derelict area before. There were loads of people enjoying the space, adults and kids alike, money very well spent. I can only hope that its respected and doesn't end up covered in graffiti and vandalised.

Time to eat and we headed off for a huge breakfast at the impressive Koffee Pot cafe in the city (arguments still raging about who discovered it!). With some time to kill before the pubs opened we took a walk to the Cottonfield Wharf and Islington Marinas.

We've been walking through these areas since Manchester City moved out to Eastlands and the transformation is extraordinary.

The canal basin is another delight to walk around, an impressive green space in which to live in a corner of the city once home to a dying industry. I was as impressed with this as I was with Mayfield Park. All the walking had worked up a thirst so it was time to head to the pub for a couple pre-match beers. The Marble Arch is one of Manchester's best, classic old style pub with its own brewery and pretty good food as well. Must take a few photos next time we visit.

And off to the day's sporting event.

Manchester City versus Southampton. Nothing beats a live game of football, especially as part of great day out.

In truth, even though City won 4-0 it wasn't the most thrilling game I've ever seen but it was good to enjoy the atmosphere and a few goals.

Another walk and tram ride to Deansgate and a couple of pints in another of Manchester's best old style pubs, The Britons Protection. A great view of the Beetham Tower from the platform. Manchester now has a pretty good selection of skyscrapers and despite the fact they are normally home to the wealthy, I do like them.

And to finish the day off, another tram ride to West Didsbury and a curry at the fab Namaste Nepal. Fine night-time view of the Deansgate Square Towers from the station. Top city day out.

Comment