Looking south-east towards what was, at the time, a derelict Castlefield.

“Merchant’s Bridge…Designed by Whitby Bird & Partners (now Ramboll)…received a number of design awards”

Wow…..this one is very special!

The top photo is incredible and dates back to 1985. As always it was kindly provided by Steve Welsh and looks south-east towards what was, at the time, a derelict Castlefield.

The bottom photo was expertly taken in August 2026 by James Ketley (whilst on the train) and shows the unreal change that has taken place over the past 40 years or so.

Closest to the camera is Merchant’s Warehouse, a Grade II listed canal warehouse dating from 1823-27. Following significant fire damage, it was restored and converted to office space by SimpsonHaugh between 1993 and 1997, retaining its historic industrial character.
 
Adjacent to it is Merchant’s Bridge, a pedestrian footbridge over the Bridgewater Canal Basin. Designed by Whitby Bird & Partners (now Ramboll) and completed in 1996, it formed part of the wider regeneration of Castlefield and received a number of design awards, including a Civic Trust Award.
 
In the background, from left to right:
 
Castle Wharf, designed by OMI Architects on behalf of RENAKER, and completed in 2021. Comprises 188 apartments across two buildings of 12 and 21 storeys.
 
Fusion Manchester (Fusion Deansgate), designed by Corstorphine & Wright on behalf of Fusion. Delivered by Domis Construction and completed in 2026. The scheme provides 509 student bedrooms across 28 storeys.
 
Deansgate Square, designed by SimpsonHaugh on behalf of RENAKER. The scheme forms part of the Great Jackson Street/ New Jackson Strategic Regeneration Framework and comprises 1,508 apartments across four towers (North, South, East and West) ranging from 122m to 201m in height. This includes Manchester’s current tallest building at 65 storeys (South Tower).
 
F1, also designed by SimpsonHaugh on behalf of RENAKER, is the latest phase of the New Jackson masterplan. Currently under construction, the 51-storey tower will deliver 494 apartments.

Finally, you can see a glimpse of Deansgate Quay. Designed by architects Stephenson Bell on behalf of Crosby Homes, the scheme was completed in 2001 and includes 103 apartments.