LEAP ........

.... won't someone leap. But no-one would, so they get consigned to the extras.

I am left with a LEAP of the imagination. It will be all change in this view over the next few years.

The two developments under construction will be completed - Wilburn St Basin in Salford in the foreground, and that on the site of Harry Ramsdens in Manchester behind it, both sitting by the Irwell but on opposite banks.

In the foreground the Ordsall Chord - a new railway link which will finally link Victoria and Piccadilly stations, will cross from the brick viaduct on the right in Salford across the ring road and river Irwell to connect with the Liverpool line in the Castlefield area of Manchester. Princes Bridge - in picture on left - will be demolished in the short term to allow the new rail link to come through. Victoria and Central Salford Stations are closed this Easter for enabling works.

Left foreground more apartment blocks will be rising, and out of picture further on the left and over the Irwell, the St Johns Quarter in Manchester will rise on the site of the old Granada Studios.

Meanwhile on the right hand side, and over the viaduct, the Middlewood site in Salford will see more housing and commercial development. Whilst on the distant horizon, Manchester United's ground at Old Trafford (it is visible if you enlarge) will be obscured by more apartments at Clippers Quay in Salford.

Looking in other directions from the 7th floor of the car park, similar LEAPS of the imagination are to be had. This whole area is changing fast.