Urban walks

We haven't been into Manchester City Centre on a Saturday for some weeks. 

Our intention had been to go in for a few things, and then out again. But somehow our visit turned into a bit of an urban walk.

The blip is the Craft and Design Centre in the northern Quarter. We spent some time chatting to Andrea at AndMade, which is one of our favourite's there. There had been a bit of water coming up from the floor below after heavy rain, the second time in a week, and investigations are underway to find the cause. The building used to be Manchester's fish market (with another five market halls adjacent, now long gone). The floor had been designed sloping down either side so stuff could be easily washed away - which may have something to do with the drainage problem.

The extras are at Ancoats. We passed several of the new gable murals that have sprung up in and around the area - this one is particularly striking - I am not sure what the original mill owner's would have made of it. And the other is a view from the showhouse at Urban Splash's "house" development. All have sold out and they are now marketing the similar units at Springfield lane in Salford, which are selling well. We're not moving ourselves - although a view like this would be tempting.