In 2010, Manchester Central Library had to be closed for renovation, riddled with asbestos and for the most part largely inaccessible to the public. During that time so too did St Peter’s Square as a whole undergo a change, with the cenotaph being relocated from it’s familiar position to the Cooper Street entrance of the Town Hall and the Peace Garden is no more.

Following the completion of this regeneration and the reopening of the library this area it has become a fantastic public space and one to rival the best squares in Europe. In this picture I wanted to capture that feeling of Manchester as a historic giant and important city that wears its industrial past on it’s sleeve but isn’t afraid to move forward.

The Central Library and The Town Hall Extension are the work of Vincent Harris and some of the best examples of neoclassical architecture in England and are true gems in the history of Manchester design.

This is 004 in a limited edition run of prints - 10 in each size - once they are gone they are gone forever. Each print has been produced on fine art cotton, is acid free 300gsm paper and will be numbered and signed by 0161