Looking west along the Rochdale Canal

“Manchester United’s 1999 treble-winning parade passed beneath this very bridge !”

Another cracker this time courtesy of Steve Welsh who has kindly provided the top photo. This was taken in 1985 and shows the view looking west along the Rochdale Canal - specifically the Grade II listed Lock 89 (Tib Lock). The bridge over Albion Street is just visible in the background as is the Deansgate Station bridge over Whitworth Street.

We don’t have the details of each of the buildings in the photo but would guess that their subsequent clearance formed part of the Central Manchester Development Corporation’s plans for the area, which commenced around 1988 (of which a key part was The Bridgewater Hall and Barbirolli Square).

The bottom photo was taken in August 2025 by our Graduate Planner Anna O’Shea (great work once again Anna!) and shows the considerable change that has happened over the past 40 years.

On the right is the Havelock building at 70 Great Bridgewater Street. Previously known as Eversheds House (constructed in 2001) the building has recently been subject to a retrofit - designed by OMI Architects on behalf of Credit Suisse.

Behind Havelock is the Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland, which was constructed in 1999.

Albion Wharf is also visible - originally constructed in 1868 the facade was retained in 1991 with a new building built behind.

In the background is Property Alliance’s Axis Tower designed by Jon Matthews Architects.

On the left is the Merchant Exchange office building which was refurbished in 2003.