Cathedral Gardens
Cathedral Gardens is a public open space in Manchester city centre, laid out after the 1996 bombing between Victoria station, Chetham's, Manchester Cathedral and the Corn Exchange. Its lawns, paths and water feature make a handy pause between the cathedral, the National Football Museum and the Printworks.
Photos
michael spencer
How it came about
Before regeneration the site had been cottages, then hotels and shops after Victoria station arrived in the 1860s, and later a car park. After the 1996 IRA bomb damaged much of the area, an international design competition produced a new open space linking the shopping streets around St Ann's Square to the cathedral. The space was finished once the new Marks and Spencer store and the Urbis building were complete.
What you'll find
The gardens are a simple layout of wide lawns, paved walkways and concrete seating, with a short water feature on the west side. On a dry day it fills with office workers at lunch, students and families on their way to the museums. It stays busy with people cutting through to and from Victoria station.
Making the most of it
Use the gardens as a hub. Manchester Cathedral and Chetham's Library, where Marx and Engels studied, are on the south and west sides. The National Football Museum is next door, the Old Wellington pub is around the corner and the Printworks is across Corporation Street. It is also the natural place to wait if you are meeting someone off a train at Victoria.
Highlights
- Open space created after the 1996 Manchester bombing
- Lawns, walkways and a water feature
- Overlooked by Chetham's and Manchester Cathedral
- Next to the National Football Museum
Good to know
- Free and open public space.
- Manchester Victoria station is on the northern edge.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: en.wikipedia.org