Later this year The Royal Exchange Manchester will be celebrating 100 years since the building was officially opened by King George V and Queen Mary following a seven-year extension and remodelling.
To help them celebrate, The Royal Exchange is asking for people to share any stories, memories or pictures they may have associated with the building.
Over the years the Grade II listed building has seen many changes; lots will remember the antique style shopping centre in the basement and Brannigan’s nightclub, a popular haunt which was also in the basement and accessed by a door at one end of the Arcade.
In the 1950’s The Royal Exchange even had an air terminal check-in on the Cross St side, in the site which is now occupied by Sostrene Grene.
Building Manager Tim White says: “While we’re clearly not expecting any memories from around the time of the official opening, we are hoping to hear tales from people about their memories of our shops and cafes from over the years. We know many people have fond memories of the shopping centre in the basement or partying the night away at Brannigan’s so we’d love to hear about them, as well as any others.”
The Royal Exchange Manchester is now home to a unique collection of independent boutique shops, premium brands, health & beauty as well as a choice of eateries catering for different tastes and dietary requirements. At the end of May there will also be a members-only gym in the basement, providing an innovative fitness space of the highest standards.
In addition, the building is home to the much-loved Royal Exchange theatre, a beautiful venue that has welcomed so many esteemed actors over the years, and which we hope to see open and performing again very soon.
So, if anyone has any stories or pictures they’d like to share on social media please remember to tag @royalexchangemanchester (Facebook and Instagram) or @TheRoyalExMcr (twitter) and hashtag #ExchangeMemories. Alternatively, you can email frontofhouse@manchesterroyalexchange.com with #ExchangeMemories in the subject line.
