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MANCHESTER is recognised as a top-class European city
just two years after its city centre suffered a deep blow from the explosion
of an IRA bomb which caused massive devastation.
From the ruins, a new centre is clearly emerging and
the city's confidence is the result of the vision, courage, energy and
imagination shown by its people and by those who run it.
Manchester is now within the top ten of Europe's favourite
cities in which to do business according to a survey by international
property consultants Healey and Baker. This makes it the only UK city
outside London to take its place in the premier division of European
cities alongside Paris, Madrid, Barcelona and Milan.
Manchester is the most desirable university city chosen
by students in the UK and is the most popular city for visitors outside
London.All these achievements are happening against the backdrop of
the UK's most courageous urban rebuilding programme since the last war.
Manchester Millennium Ltd, a City Council and private
business Task Force set up to oversee the £1 billion rebuilding programme,
continues to work hard to achieve an improved, diverse, unique and exciting
city centre for the next millennium.
The rising steel structure of the single largest Marks
& Spencer store in the world signals rapid progress towards its opening
next year. The Arndale centre is being revamped with extended and lively
new shop fronts along Corporation street.
The Royal Exchange shopping centre is thriving and the
famous theatre opens in November.
The Triangle at the Corn Exchange has tenants queuing
up to move into the carefully restored historic building and progress
on The Printworks building opposite is a tribute to hard work and dedication
to the city.
When it comes to renting a shop, Manchester tops the
league in a report by surveyors Jones Lang Wooton an indication of the
surge in confidence among those investing money and bringing jobs into
the city centre.
But in the city centre you can do far more than just
spend money. A visit to Manchester is also about having fun and a good
family day out.
This summer, in spite of the heavy rain, thousands have
already visited the Jazz Festival, Digital Summer 98, the D.Percussion
music extravaganza, the Streets Ahead festival which climaxes with its
fabulous fireworks, Italia 98 and National Bike Week events, most of
which were free of charge.
More than 23 events are taking place over the city centre
this summer, finishing up on August Bank Holiday with a magnificent
weekend of entertainment across the city centre for families and children.
Keep an eye on Manchester it's moving forward fast and there's a place
for everyone.
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