Holiday Inn Manchester-West

Before Redevelopment

by sandysmith

The construction of the Manchester Ship Canal between 1887 and 1893 was a triumph of civil engineering. Designed by Edward Leader Williams the Canal measures 351/2 miles from Eastham on the River Mersey to Woden Street Footbridge beyond Pomona Docks. Although partly tidal it uses the waters of the Rivers Mersey and Irwell and ships are raised 60 ft above sea level to Manchester via a series of locks.

However the Salford Docks suffered much decline in the 1960's, due to new container ports and motorway links, eventually resulting in final closure in 1982. In 1983 the Dept. of Environment made an agreement with Hagen's Urban Waterside company to transfer the land around the docks.

This is a picture of how the docks looked in 1970.

Lowry Bridge UP

by sandysmith

This bridge is a masterpiece of modern engineering. The bridge connects the Trafford and Salford basins and is rarely in operation for ships.... ...except the day we visited co-incided with dredging maintenance of the canal and the bridge was up and down like a yoyo. We had to time our visits to the museums, either side of the bridge to enable us to cross over.
We were fascinated with the way the bridge was raised up and down by the hydraulic mechanisms in the tower supports at either end.

Canal Reflections

by sandysmith

Just strolling around the quays, taking the opportunity of capturing some reflections - not so sure I should have taken this one though - the pic shows the Anchorage buildings which incorporate the Bupa private hospital and I work for the NHS!

Designer Residences

by sandysmith

The quayside has some plush apartments right by the Lowry Bridge - would love to see inside them :-)
They are managed by JJT Residential Services and if you think you can afford one in such a prime location then here's their web address:-
www.jjtresidential.co.uk

Salford

by Ashleigh_Kobewka

"Salford and Manchester"

Alot of people think that Salford is part in Manchester, it isnt, but it is within Greater Manchester. So with that in mind, Manchester United is actually a Salford team not a Manchester Team.

However, due to the fact that not many people know this... all my salford tips are in my Manchester Page.