Cellular structures

I arrived early at the new(ish) New Bailey multi-storey, and walked to the Town Hall for an early morning meeting.

There are some good views from the car park, including this.

The multi-storey is part of a wider development (New Bailey) beside the Irwell, between Irwell St and New Bailey St. The clue to this photo is in the name.

Archaeological work is ongoing uncovering the remains of the New Bailey Prison which long ago stood on this site - Salford's Bastille, and the predecessor to Strangeways (it opened in the 1780's and closed in 1868). I have seen old prints of troops in fine costumes standing guard outside the massive prison which once stood here. At this end it had a semi-circular - or apsed - end. Overall it must have been a huge structure, and imposing or frightening depending on your point of view (and why you were there).

This site will see new development. The other half of the semi circle lies under the multi-storey now, whilst towards the Mark Addy pub and the Irwell a glossy new office building is under construction - number 1 New Bailey., a natural extension to Spinningfields.