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MAY 2001 WASN'T ALL SUNSHINE, there were some grey days too. These pictures capture some of the less picturesque, but no less interesting aspects of Manchester and its streetscapes. And the following page is lit up both by spring blossoms and a major fire. Later in May there was rioting in Oldham, but I was in the United Arab Emirates, where I prepared these pages.

MARKET STREET MANCHESTER is seen here from the food court, Arndale Centre. We are looking up Market Street towards Debenhams.

While the right hand side of the street retains a number of historic facades, the left hand side was demolished in the 1960's to make way for the Arndale Centre. Only one building survived - a post-war structure which was incorporated into the yellow-tiled facade.

We can see it is set back from the main outer wall, indicating the old line of the pavement. The local authority is currently carrying out improvements to Market Street at pedestrian level. There are also plans to remodel the exterior of the shopping centre and banish the ugly yellow tiles but how much longer will we have to wait?

A POST-WAR FACADE is incorporated into the Arndale Centre frontage just to the left of the main entrance half way up Market Street.

Just why was this facade retained? It's the only one to survive after one half of Market Street, with its interesting and varied frontages, many from the 19th century, was demolished to make way for the Arndale Centre.

This building probably dates from the late nineteen fifties. It's hardly an architectural gem but it looks much better than what was put up around it.

THE ARNDALE CENTRE in May 2001 looks much the same as it did when it was completed during the 1970's, though a little grimier. Despite the regeneration of the city centre most of the Arndale Centre has been left untouched..

The empty flagpole, the streetlamp and the remains of a former sign contribute to a sense of alienation. But with exterior modelling the Arndale Centre could be transformed.

Eyewitness says: The remodelling of the exterior, as has already been done along Corporation Street, should be continued as quickly as possible. The tower should either be reclad or demolished.

STOCKS STREET Cheetham is hardly the most picturesque of locations, with its deserted street corners, commercial properties and empty lots, but in the 19th century it was a residential street, part of the thriving township of Cheetham with its strongly Jewish character.

In the lower right picture we can see part of the presbytery of St Chads Catholic Church, which fronts Cheetham Hill Road.

This area is mostly quiet by day and deserted at night, apart from the occasional lady of the night.

Stocks Street is where the ancestors of one EWM reader used to live. See May Reader Messages.

LIVESEY STREET COLLYHURST is a place steeped in history, though you wouldn't know it, as the area has been subject to comprehensive slum clearance and redevelopment.

The main feature of this street, which runs between Oldham Road to Rochdale Road about half a mile north of the city centre, is St Patrick's Church.

Sudell Street runs off the picture to the right.

Do you have any connections with this area? Please contact

THIS IS THE JUNCTION OF SUDELL STREET and Rochdale Road, an area which changed out of all recognition during the post-war period.

The only element of the old Manchester to survive is this corner building, wedge-shaped to fit the street line with a brick and tile exterior and cast iron fire escapes. It probably dates from the 1890's or 1900's and is currently boarded up.

Do you have any information about this building or this area? Please contact

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