It’s business as usual in Manchester City Centre
11 August 2011
Go out and enjoy everything that is wonderful about this city
CityCo, Manchester's city centre management company is pleased to report that businesses in Manchester city centre plan to resume normal opening hours tonight (Thursday 11 August) following the public disorder on Tuesday night.
Bars and restaurants across Manchester city centre including the Northern Quarter, Deansgate Locks, Canal Street and Piccadilly will remain open. The Manchester Arndale shopping centre and stores including Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Debenhams, Marks and Spencer and House of Fraser will also stay open until 8pm tonight as usual.
There will be substantial policing arrangements as a precaution and reassurance to members of the public wanting to enjoy Manchester's nightlife.
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester city centre spokesman, said: "We've already seen the real people of Manchester stand up for their city by coming out in force to help clean up the streets. Now, we need Mancunians - as well as people who visit the city - to show how proud they are of Manchester by supporting local businesses tonight and over the weekend.
"This means doing exactly what they would normally do, and going out to enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer - our bars, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and shops. The jobs of thousands of people in the city centre should not be jeopardised by the actions of these mindless thugs."
Vaughan Allen, chief executive of CityCo, Manchester's city centre management company said: "We've been liaising with all our members and they are eager to return to normal operating hours tonight. Businesses are defiant and want to get back to normal hours as quickly as possible. Manchester has been massively successful over the last few years beating the recession and we can't let one night of madness beat us."
Northern Quarter spokesperson, Nicky Rybka Goldsmith, proprietor of The Bay Horse public house, Cord bar and Thomas Restaurant said: "As a community we have taken the decision to open tonight as usual. Businesses and customers alike are keen for a feeling of normality to return as soon as possible. Part of the Northern Quarter's attraction and charm is the friendly and welcoming atmosphere and we will not let the events earlier in the week destroy this."
There is currently no police intelligence to suggest there will be any further outbreaks of violence but for regular up-dates visit www.cityco.com.
