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Then and Now: Northern Quarter

THEN: Oak Street in 1966

With the notable exception of the nearby Band On The Wall jazz venue on Swan Street, the area was in slow decline as textiles factories and other businesses closed down.

In fact, the downturn in trade is evident from the early photo of Oak Street, taken in 1966.

A few meagre figures outside the Nuttall and Biddlecombe fruit and vegetable stores gathering to unload their wares is far from the lively, bustling reputation it enjoyed at the turn of the twentieth century.

The photo taken is looking from the old Smithfield Victorian fish market, itself an imposing structure with a huge glass roof. But as early as the 1950s market trade was starting to struggle, and some buildings in the area were later demolished.

It is hard to believe that the close by Oldham Street was once one of Manchester's premier late 19th century - early 20th century shopping streets.

NOW: The area is picking up

Now the old Smithfield market, known as Manchester Craft and Design Centre, is host to retail units from artists selling a whole range of items, such as ceramics and jewellery.

Today, combined efforts to regenerate the area after years of decline has come with nearby residential conversions, and a smattering of stylish news bars and shops - all contributing to the cultural renaissance of the city centre district.

Just a brisk walk around Oak Street illustrates that the once dilapidated area is preparing to be `swinging' again.

The archive photograph is part of a collection chronicling the changing face of Manchester during the past 250 years on a computer at Manchester Central Library.

What are your memories of the area?

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