Market Street, Manchester facts for kids
Market Street is a very important shopping street in Manchester, England. It stretches from Piccadilly Gardens in the east to St. Mary's Gate in the west. Along its way, it crosses other well-known streets like High Street and Corporation Street. It's a busy place, especially for shoppers!
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A Look Back: Market Street's History
Market Street has a long history. It was once known as Market Stead Lane. This street used to be part of a major road called the A6 road. This old road connected places far away, like Luton in Bedfordshire to Carlisle in Cumbria.
The A6 road used to run right through Manchester city centre. It went along Piccadilly, then Market Street, and even crossed the River Irwell. But things have changed! Today, parts of Market Street are just for people walking. This means cars can't drive there. The A6 road now takes a different route around the city centre.
Getting Around Market Street
Much of Market Street is now a special area just for people. This is called a pedestrian zone. Only emergency vehicles, maintenance workers, and delivery vans can drive there. This makes it a safe and fun place to walk and shop.
However, not all of Market Street is just for walkers. Some parts are still open to traffic. For example, High Street crosses Market Street and is open to cars. Also, the south-eastern end of Market Street has Metrolink tram lines. You can catch a tram at the Market Street tram stop right there.
Shopping and Fun on Market Street
When you start at the Piccadilly end, Market Street shares its space. There are wide walkways for people and two tram lines for the Metrolink. Here, you'll see huge department stores. On one side is Debenhams, and on the other is Primark.
As you move further west, the tram lines turn away. Then, Market Street becomes a totally pedestrian zone. This part is always full of shoppers! The huge Manchester Arndale Centre takes up most of the north side. It's a massive indoor shopping mall. On the south side, you'll find many different shops, both big and small.
You might also see street performers and traders here. They add to the lively atmosphere. You could hear buskers playing music, bagpipes, or even string quartets!
Near the end of the Arndale Centre, Market Street crosses Corporation Street and Cross Street. After this, it's no longer a pedestrian zone. It continues until it meets St. Mary's Gate. In this final section, you'll find a big Marks & Spencer department store and more shops.
At its very western end, Market Street connects to St Mary's Gate. This road then leads to Deansgate, which was once an old Roman road.
A famous street dancer, George Sampson, used to practice his moves on Market Street. He later won Britain's Got Talent in 2008!
Popular Shops You Might Find
Market Street is home to many well-known stores. Here are some of them:
- Aldi
- AllSaints
- Boots
- Clarks
- Debenhams
- H&M
- HMV
- Mango
- Marks & Spencer
- Nike
- Primark
- Sports Direct
- Tesco Metro
- TK Maxx
- Urban Outfitters
- Zara
