In the early 1980s, several traditional and local industries were declining and many of them were closed under the radical economic restructuring often known as Thatcherism. The traffic on Port of Manchester was declined and eventually, the port closed in 1982. However, the city was also developed rapidly in the 1980s. On November 5, 1980, Manchester became a nuclear-free city. It was a progressive gesture but largely symbolic.
The city center was contracted and it became a shadow of its nineteenth-century self. The abandoned Central Station was converted into the Greater Manchester Exhibition Centre (now Manchester Central) in 1982. The Museum of Science and Industry opened in 1983 and Castlefield was brought to life. The Jewish Museum opened in 1984 and The Chinese Arts Centre was founded in 1986. The Central Manchester Development Corporation was created in 1988 to renovate former warehouse areas and canal basins.
The 1980s was an auspicious period for Manchester railways. The Woodhead Line was closed in 1981. Many new and low-cost stations were opened including Flowery Field, Hag Fold, and Ryder Brow.
Here below are some amazing photos from the 1980s that will take you back to old Manchester. Also check, how Manchester looked like in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1990s.
Manchester has changed beyond comprehension. This isn’t a bad thing, but it’s hard to get your bearings from the past to the present!
Does anyone else remember the Dutch pancake House?
The roof of the Arndale was on the top of my mum’s house when I awaited the 59 bus outside the Arndale center. Initially, I thought she was joking, but it turns out she wasn’t.
Why do none of these people have face masks on
There are so many pictures that make it look almost derelict in areas not in a major city center. Did the section of market street meet traffic?
Awesome photos… funny as someone who was around in the 1980s it does not look so different to me!