Celebrating Manchester: BEE Proud

Salford Professional Development takes pride in its location within Salford, Greater Manchester. Situated in a city with remarkable history, ranked as the 3rd best city in the world by TimeOut in 2021, there are numerous compelling reasons to consider it an exceptional and forward-thinking destination. Manchester holds the distinction of being the world’s first industrial city, spawning ground-breaking advancements in how people lived and worked. This transformation not only enriched the lives of Manchester’s citizens but also had a profound global impact. Due to this, the bee has become the symbol of Manchester, for the bees hard-working nature and sense of community. It was incorporated into the City Councils coat of arms in 1842 to brand Manchester to the world as a place of perseverance and industry. Here we look at some of the top attractions close to our home.

Northern Quarter

Situated mere minutes from the heart of the City Centre, the Northern Quarter stands as a distinctive and dynamic neighbourhood, continuously introducing exciting developments. This vibrant district hosts a multitude of independent cafes, stores, pubs and restaurants, including the renowned Affleck’s Palace, which houses an eclectic array of stalls and boutiques, adding to its one-of-a-kind charm.

Canal Street

Often recognized as ‘The Gay Village’, Canal Street is a well-known area boasting a vibrant set of bars and clubs which line the Rochdale Canal. While it now stands as a symbol of openness and pride, featuring regular pride events and incredible LGBTQIA+ celebrations, its history tells a different tale, one marked by club raids and discrimination in earlier years. It’s worth noting that Canal Street also holds a special place in popular culture, as it served as the primary filming location for the well-loved TV series ‘Queer as Folk.’ This series not only portrayed the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals but also brought attention to the struggles and triumphs of the community, making Canal Street an iconic and historically significant landmark in Manchester’s diverse landscape. Today, it continues to be a hub of acceptance, diversity, and celebration, representing the progress and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Castlefield

Castlefield is the oldest part of Manchester, in 79 AD, and once the site of the Roman forts which still partly stands today. The first canal in Britain was built in 1758 between Worsley and Manchester for the transportation of coal, with Castlefield becoming a hub for the developing canal network. Not only this but the world’s first passenger railway terminated in Castlefield in 1830. It boasts fantastic bars and restaurants along the canal where people can watch the boats go by. Many will recognise Castlefield as a set to numerous TV shows and films Including Peaky Blinders and Coronation Street.

Peel Park

Nestled just behind Adelphi House, where Salford Professional Development calls home, Peel Park is a historical location that first welcomed visitors in 1846. It takes its name from the former Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel, and stands as one of the first public parks to open in the country. Visitors to the park can also discover it’s attractions, including the Marie Curie Fields of Hope. In the year 2023, the park played a significant role in the community by hosting the ‘Pink Picnic’, a pride celebration which featured performances from Nadine Coyle and Bailey J Mills.

Curry Mile

The Curry Mile is a recognized culinary destination, famous for its abundance of curry houses. Located along Wilmslow Road, the vibrant and lively strip is full of Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani restaurants. The origins of curry mile date back to the 1950s when a wave of South Asian workers migrated to Rusholme to address labour shortages in the region. As the 1980s dawned, a surge of curry restaurants began to dot the landscape of the Curry Mile, with the transformation being so prolific the council recognized the areas heritage by erecting a sign that proudly dubbed it ‘The Curry Mile.’

Old Trafford

Old Trafford, one of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks, stands as the largest football stadiums in the United Kingdom in terms of capacity. It has been a stage for exhilarating sporting moments and has left an indelible mark on the world of football. Old Trafford has witnessed the likes of football legends who have played for the team including, George Best, David Beckham and Bobby Charlton to name a few. Within the stadium, the Sir Alex Ferguson stand is a testament to the legendary manager who guided Manchester United to unparalleled success. The stand holds the Red Café and the trophy room, offering fans a chance to relive the club’s glorious success. Additionally, the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, named in honour of another Manchester United Legend, serves as a hub for VIP areas and suites, providing a premium experience for fans. Old Trafford isn’t just a sports venue, it’s a major tourist attraction and draws in more than 32 million visitors annually.

Manchester is a city steeped in history and innovation, offering remarkable cultural and historical attractions. From the vibrant Northern Quarter with its independent cafes and boutiques to the open and accepting atmosphere of Canal Street, it embraces its diverse heritage. Salford Professional Development is proud to call Greater Manchester it’s home.