This flashback is a little different. We came across this image online some time ago — believed to be by David Evans — but we haven’t been able to trace its original source. If anyone has more info, we’d love to hear from you !

The top image was likely taken in the 1980s from the bridge over Whitworth Street West, connecting Deansgate railway station to Manchester Central. It captures a moment in time before major regeneration swept through the area.

Key features include the vacant railway arches along the Rochdale Canal, along with the The Haçienda nightclub, located at 11-13 Whitworth Street West.

Fast forward to the present day (bottom image, taken in May 2025), and the transformation over the past 40 years is dramatic:

Deansgate Locks: A 55,000 sq ft scheme by Westport reusing the vacant 12 railway arches, completed in 2000. Early tenants included The Comedy Store, Loaf, and Baa Bar.

Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop: Opened in 1992, with a third platform added in 2014.

Axis Tower: Completed in 2019 by Property Alliance Group and designed by Jon Matthews Architects.

The Hacienda apartments: the original building was demolished in 2002 and the 130 apartment scheme was delivered by Crosby Homes, designed by Stephenson Bell.

Bridgewater Heights (33 storeys): designed by Hodder + Partners

No.1 Cambridge Street: 29 and 22 storeys, delivered by RENAKER and designed by Hodder + Partners.

Innside Hotel: situated at 1 First Street the hotel opened on May 2015 and was designed by SimpsonHaugh.

Despite all the change - and all the years that have gone by - it is notable that the City Road Inn is still in place!