Manchester Central offers excellent, highly flexible convention and exhibition facilities with the added benefit of a location that places you right at the centre of one of the UK's most dynamic and vibrant cities.
With a top 20 international airport on the doorstep and efficient road and rail transport links, Manchester is easily accessible from all over the world. Once here the city is compact and easy to navigate with a wealth of hotel, cultural and entertainment options to satisfy the most discerning of delegates.
Situated in the centre of the UK, with one of the world's best-connected international airports, Manchester offers stylish hotels, cosmopolitan cuisine and a cultural scene that is second to none.
Manchester Central's unique city centre location is undoubtedly a big plus factor for delegates, with all that the city has to offer right on the doorstep.
Manchester Central is in the heart of Manchester city centre in the North West of England. Located in the centre of the UK, the city is served by strong road, rail and air links, making it an easily accessible location for visitors from all over the world.
Manchester has direct rail connections to all major UK cities – London is just over two hours away by train. Services come into the city at either Piccadilly or Victoria station, both of which connect to Manchester’s Metrolink light-rail system which provides easy access to all parts of the city centre. Take the Metrolink from either Piccadilly or Victoria (in the Altrincham or Eccles direction) and alight at St Peter’s Square, which is within a 5-minute walk of Manchester Central. You can also take advantage of the free Metroshuttle bus that travels between the two stations across the city centre.
For information on train services to Manchester, please use the following links:
www.virgintrains.co.uk
www.nationalrail.co.uk
The extensive Metrolink tram service covers the city centre and areas of Greater Manchester.
To reach the venue follow signs for Metrolink from either Piccadilly or Victoria, purchase a City Zone ticket on the platform and take a tram heading for Altrincham or Eccles alighting at St Peter’s Square. The venue is then a five-minute walk away, behind the Midland Hotel. You can also take advantage of the free Metroshuttle bus that travels across the city centre.
For information on routes and timetables, please visit the Metrolink website: www.metrolink.co.uk
For a more bespoke service, there are a number of reputable taxi and private hire companies which operate in the city. A selection is listed below:
Manchester is at the heart of the Northwest’s motorway network with easy access from all directions onto the M60, the city’s orbital motorway. Once on the M60 exit at Junction 12 and join the M602 signposted towards the city centre. Follow the A57 straight on from the end of the M602 passing under a railway bridge before taking the left hand exit to merge onto the A56 Bridgewater Way. Turn right onto Whitworth Street West at Deansgate station and then turn left onto Albion Street. The entrance to the Manchester Central Car Park is through the next set of traffic lights on the left, opposite The Bridgewater Hall.
If you're coming by road the best postcode for your satnav is M2 3GX. Alternatively download a location map.
The following links may be useful in helping to plan your journey by car:
Once you have travelled into the city by car, then the best place to park is the NCP car park on site at Manchester Central. It is open 24 hours and the address details for sat nav are: Lower Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3GX.
For more information on NCP car parks in Manchester, visit www.ncp.co.uk or telephone 0845 050 7080.
Access into Manchester is easier if you use one of the many Park and Ride schemes. It is the ideal way to plan a quick, easy journey into the city centre. Parking is free at local rail stations and Metrolink tram stops in Greater Manchester so the only cost is the fare. In many instances the cost of your ticket will be less than your normal parking charges too!
If you need more information about times and tickets call Traveline 0871 200 22 33 or use the journey planner at www.gmpte.com.
Manchester airport is a major international air traffic hub with frequent scheduled flights to the majority of key UK, European and international destinations. It is 9 miles (14.5km) outside the city centre, taking approximately 25 minutes by taxi, or alternatively there is a direct half-hourly express rail service to the city centre that takes approximately 20 minutes.
More information on services to Manchester airport can be found at www.manchesterairport.co.uk
A number of wheelchairs can be hired for patrons' use while in the venue. To enquire about bookings and availability, contact the First Aid department on 0161 834 2700 ext.2211 or email firstaid@manchestercentral.co.uk. Requests for use should be made in advance where possible as availability cannot otherwise be ensured. Please note that Manchester Central wheelchairs should not be removed from the venue.
As the original modern city, few places have enjoyed the rejuvenation seen in Manchester over the last ten years.
Situated centrally in mainland Britain, Manchester has a population of 2.5 million and is one of the largest economic regions outside London. It is a city; which has roots in ancient history, but is probably the most progressive city in the UK. It is wonderfully cosmopolitan and yet retains its own unique character.
There is a saying, 'What Manchester does today, the world does tomorrow', and with just cause. Manchester was the first city of the Industrial Revolution, the home of the first computer, and the birthplace of the first ever professional football league.
Excellent transport links connect Manchester with the UK and Europe. Manchester Airport, located only twenty minutes by road from the city centre, serves over 200 worldwide destinations directly and offers flights from 22 British and Irish destinations. London is only two hours away by train.
The city's Metrolink trams have not only enhanced the European feel of Manchester, but also provide a fast and efficient way to navigate the city centre and take only a few minutes to transport visitors to the wider city-region.
Manchester is well-served by hotel accommodation at all levels, from budget accommodation to stylish boutique hotels and four and five star establishments, and offers the wide range of leisure and entertainment facilities befitting a thriving, dynamic European city.
Manchester has also built a reputation as an international conference destination, hosting everything from international conventions to national expositions. In 2006, Manchester became the first Northern city to host a Political Party Annual Conference, welcoming the Labour Party and delivering a safe, secure conference in the heart of the city centre with minimum disruption to residents and businesses. The city’s proven ability to deal with all of the issues that accompany such an event has led to it being confirmed as the destination for the Labour Party Annual Conference in 2010, 2012 and 2014. We hosted the Conservative Party Annual Conference in 2009, 2011 and will do so again in 2013.
Above all, it is the city's cheerful acceptance of newcomers that makes a visit to Manchester such a pleasure. Mancunian friendliness is legendary and an enthusiastic welcome is guaranteed.
For things to do visit http://www.visitmanchester.com/#/home.aspx
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