Urbis Manchester

Despite being opened in June 2002, I have never actually been inside. I had taken photos from outside for a school project but never ventured indoors. Yesterday I wandered into the ultra modern building called located in "Milennium Quarter" next to the printworks. Designed by Ian Simpson.

Architecturally the building is fabulous to look at, although maybe does stand out like a sore thumb. Having said this Manchester's skyline is very liberal, with lots of contrasting types of architecture; the big wheel, Manchester Town Hall, The Beetham Tower, (The Hilton) and The Shambles square to name just a few.

The interior of Urbis for me was actually slightly disappointing, apart from the lift, which moves from the lowest part of the building up to the highest level at the same awkward angle as the building does. There actually seems to be a lot of unused space within the building but this is due mainly to its awkward shape.

Urbis is not advertised as much as it maybe could be, so it was pretty quiet, there are also lots of people who congregate around the building itself which could put off potential customers, who may opt to visit City Art Gallery near St Peters Square instead. With a giftshop, a cafe/bar (The Social), restaurant (The Modern) and Channel Ms headquarters it is definately worth a visit.