Beyond the Railway viaduct that runs parallel to Whitworth Street West, is an area beside Medlock Street that was once home to the Gaythorn Gas Works. 

Over the years the site moved away from gas production to gas distribution.  When it finally closed, the buildings were demolished leaving a brownfield site that waited decades for development.  If you approach the viaduct today, you will see a sign announcing the area as First Street and you will find it hard to miss the red ceramic clad hotel rising beyond the railway line. 

If you walk beneath the viaduct you enter the site of the new development that comprises a 4 star hotel, a retail/restaurant building, a 700 space multi-storey car park, and Home a multi-functional arts centre.  All of these elements are described in more detail in this section of the website.  It describes itself as, "... one of Manchester’s most important sustainable development and regeneration opportunities."

Over the years I have watched the site develop and below are a series of images taken as the site changed.

On the grassed area, in front of 1 First Street, Christmas decorations have been installed.




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