During presentations on progress in Bankside we often pose the question “what is the biggest structure in London?” Not many people get the answer right –it’s the railway viaduct. In several ways it defines Bankside acting as a perimeter wall at the boundaries, and where it cuts through the heart of the area, providing atmospheric niches and weather protection for assorted activities.

This is seen to best effect is at Vinopolis and the area around Borough Market. Here the patina of the brick work and the sheer majesty of the vaulted ceilings is truly jaw-dropping:

Revealing the fundamental qualities of this structure has transformed lock up garages and potato warehouse into unique restaurants and attractive offices.

Can such a transformation be achieved elsewhere? That was one of the propositions we have been testing in a study commissioned jointly by Salford Council and Wellington Markets. The site in question is at Greengate, on the banks of the Irwell close to the heart of Manchester city centre.

The location enjoys some fabulous advantages. But an imaginative strategy is required  if it is able to benefit from the footfall drawn to the nearby attractions which include Manchester Cathedral, Chethams School, Harvey Nicholas and the other strong retail offer. The Means has undertaken a demand assessment to underpin the business planning exercise, and identified the national and international cases of best practice that will help shape the renaissance of Greengate.