Corporation Street Bridge

Corporation Street Bridge is a modern skyway in central Manchester. It spans Corporation Street, linking the Marks & Spencer and Selfridges buildings to the Manchester Arndale shopping centre. The bridge replaced an older footbridge destroyed in the 1996 Manchester bombing. Its design follows a hyperboloid shape, a form inspired by engineer Vladimir Shukhov. The structure stands as a key part of Manchester’s post-bomb regeneration. The bridge was designed by Hodder + Partners, a Manchester-based firm, after winning a 1997 competition. Construction finished quickly, and it opened in 1999. It has since won three major awards, including the RIBA Award and the British Constructional Steelwork Association’s Structural Steel Award. The bridge’s location over the bomb’s explosion site symbolises Manchester’s recovery. A later renovation in 2011 repaired cracked windows and replaced floor panels. Visitors find a sleek, curved walkway with wide glass panels offering views of the city. The bridge connects two major shopping areas, making it a practical route for pedestrians. Its hyperboloid shape creates an unusual, elegant profile against the skyline. The structure’s awards reflect its engineering and architectural significance. The bridge remains a quiet but striking example of Manchester’s modern renewal.