Manchester

20 January 16        Mainly for a look at the new public square, Sadler's Yard.   Sunny.

A new public square, Sadler's Yard, NOMA area.

Sadler's Yard.

The square is named after James Sadler.  The information panel reads -

"The First Englishman to Fly". James Sadler was a working class entrepreneur, pioneer and a bit of a daredevil too.
In 1785, he made Manchester's first ascent in a balloon he designed, built and piloted himself from Long Millgate -
now Balloon Street - just a couple of streets away.  Originally a pastry chef from Oxford, Sadler was a hero of his time
who had an affinity for Manchester and epitomised the spirit of the city.  He defied the odds of his class, inventing
and innovating.  He earned himself celebrity status, visiting towns and cities with his balloon and flying across the
English Channel in races that captivated the 18th century public.  Many of Sadler's research projects influenced other
practical applications too.  He undertook research into burning coal gas which led to the development of street lighting.  
He created a very early mobile steam engine and also earned special thanks from Admiral Lord Nelson for improving
the accuracy of naval cannons and rifles.  Since he died in 1828, Sadler's legacy has been lost from popular history.
 We are proud to carry his name here at Sadler's Yard - a name chosen by the people of Manchester
as the result of a public competition ran in September 2015.

Sadler's Yard.

Sadler's Yard.

No.1 Angel Square, the new Co-Op headquarters.

Some of the locals.

Debris from the river Irwell Boxing Day flood.  I missed all the
excitement (and photo opportunities) as I was in Scotland.

More debris on the terrace of the Mark Addy pub.

Unfortunately the Mark Addy got severely damaged in the floods and,
given it's location, had no flood insurance.  Repair costs are estimated
at £150-200,000 and it may never reopen.

The XYZ building under construction, Spinningfields.

Wilburn Street Basin apartment blocks under construction,
from the Irwell riverside path, Salford.

Wilburn St. Basin and Water Street apartment blocks.

Chinese lanterns in Albert Square, for the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Albert Square.

The Town Hall.

Jubilee Fountain, Albert Square.

The Town Hall.

Albert Square.

Work continues on the Metrolink Second City Crossing route.
 Albert Square in the distance.

Exchange Square tram stop.

Corporation Street from the Exchange Square tram stop.

Exchange Square tram stop.

The Corn Exchange and the Urbis building from the Exchange Square tram stop.

Two Manchester icons, the Urbis building and a Metrolink tram.