B of the Bang

The B of the Bang is a relatively new addition to the Manchester skyline. The Thomas Heatherwick designed structure is the tallest self supporting structure in the UK (at 56 metres) and was built to commemorate the success of the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Costing 1.4 million pounds to build the construction is taller and leans at a greater angle than the leaning Tower of Pisa. Its bizarre shape, 180 hollow spikes radiating from a central core, stands out from the surrounding rows of terraced houses. The name comes from a quote from the British sprinter Linford Christie, who claimed he left the blocks during his races on the “…the B of the bang.”

Albert Square and Manchester Town Hall

Albert Square lies in the Centre of Manchester and features a number of important monuments and buildings. During winter it is often home to a large food and drink market and the town’s Christmas tree. It is the traditional place for public rallies and demonstrations, as well as being often featured in television programmes and films. The Grade 1 and Grade 2 listed monuments on the square include:

• A stature of Bishop James Fraser by Thomas Woolner, (1887)
• A canopied memorial to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha by architect Thomas Worthington with a figure of Albert by Matthew Noble, (1862-1867)
• A statue of Oliver Heywood by Albert Bruce-Joy, (1894)
• A statue of John Bright by Albert Bruce-Joy, (1891)

Manchester Town Hall dominates the square and surrounding area with its Victorian Gothic revival architecture. It was built by Alfred Waterhouse in 1877. As well as being the centre of administrational work in Manchester, it is often used as a double of the Palace of Westminster (the British parliament buildings in London) because filming is forbidden in Parliament.

The Lowry Centre

The Lowry is situated in the recently redeveloped Salford Quays (sometimes just known as the Quays) is a combined theatre and gallery complex. The centre is dedicated to the famous Mancuian artist L.S Lowry, known for his “matchstick men” drawings and paintings, which are said to encapsulate the feeling of a northern industrial town. It was designed by Michael Wilford and Buro Happold and the completed in 2000; as well as showcasing the work of Lowry in a permanent collection, it also features changing exhibitions, plays and musical performances.

Glossop

Situated just outside the official Greater Manchester limits, but accessible by a short ride from the city centre, Glossop is a small and beautiful town on the edge of one of Britain’s most spectacular national parks, The Peak District. The Town Hall and Town Square offer a beautiful option for a sunny afternoon, whilst the decaying cotton mills are an interesting reminder of the important part the area once played in the industrial revolution. Howard Park and Manor Park are two quiet and relaxing locations, popular with local youth and visitors alike; High Street West offers interesting shopping options to suit all tastes.

The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus

The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus was erected between 1869 and 1871 and designed by Joseph Aloysius Hansom. It is a Grade 1 listed building. Its location on Oxford Road in the Heart of Manchester University makes it easily accessible for visitors coming on foot or public transport. It has a tower built by the architect Gilbert-Scott (1928) after the well respected famous Rector of the church, Fr Bernard Vaughan, SJ.