University Green is that space off Oxford Road which on a warm sunny day is the perfect place to take in a drink with a friend or just watch people.
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Meeting up, 2025 |
All of which I did this week as the heat wave continued to make many of us seek a bit of shelter and something to sip.
And while I was there, I pondered on why I had never sat here before which of course I had.
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Bright, colorful and light, 2025 |
It always struck me as a bit of a sad place, with few people and precious few customers in the shops. It was really just a place to sit waiting to meet someone, although we did once book a Greek Holiday in Delta Travel and I can remember eating something greasy in the café.
And then that red brick building was redeveloped with new interesting places offering real beer, supermarket stuff and much more.
The transition began around 2016 and was dramatic enough for me to have forgotten there was that older place.
All of which is how on Wednesday afternoon I came to take a series of pictures on a warm sunny day with heaps of people taking in a drink with a friend or just watching people.
And the history?
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The Precinct 1971 |
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Inside the Precinct, waiting for the shops to arrive, 1972 |
I may of course be unfair on the Precinct, after all it was all that the dawning 1970s thought was modern and utilitarian, but now has vanished like so many of those brave new bits of public building.
On the Green, 2025 |
At which point l won't mention that dark half dismal pub called the Phoenix which occupied a ground floor spot on the the other side of the red brick building.
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The Phoenix, 1973 |
Pictures; taking in the sun, 2025, from the collection of Andrew Simpson, The Precint from Oxford Road, 1971, M04135, Inside the Precinct, 1972, M04155, and the Phoenix, M50221, courtesy of Manchester Libraries, Information and Archives, Manchester City Council, http://images.manchester.gov.uk/index.php?session=pass
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Taking in the sun, 2025 |
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