Geograph - photograph every grid square

Smoky Fountains

This space, which was the site of Salford's Victoria Bus Station*, on the Salford side of the River Irwell across from Manchester Cathedral, is being redeveloped (I think its name will be Greengate Square). It consists of a new footbridge, two stainless steel beacon sculptures, 36 coloured fountains and curved stone walls to sit on. The fountains are currently being tested ready for the opening of the square (planned to be before Christmas 2012).

As well as water, the fountains also emit clouds of water vapour, supposedly, this is to represent smoke and steam (the area behind and above the square was the site of the former Exchange Station) and the steel towers represent chimneys from Manchester and Salford’s industrial past (maybe a less shiny material might have been more appropriate).

Link The fountains of Salford, Manchester Confidential

* see SJ8398 : Salford Bus Station (1978) and SJ8398 : Victoria Bus Station & Manchester Cathedral