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Manchester's top 5 buildings by Sarah-Clare Conlon who blogs at Words & Fixtures about language, literature, arts and culture.
UMIST
Manchester Modernist Society highlights architectural gems at risk, including the Toast Rack in Fallowfield and parts of the UMIST campus. Tucked in next to the apex of the Mancunian Way, the trademark WA Gibbon-designed white concrete buildings and Holloway Wall offer a 60s utopia, complete with a bowling green. Address: Sackville Street, M1 3QJ
The Royal Exchange
Starting life as the bastion of Manchester trade, the Royal Exchange survived a direct hit in the Blitz and protected St Ann’s Church from the IRA blast. Its glass and steel roof echoes the Barton Arcade opposite and juxtaposes well with the innovative seven-sided theatre performance space. Address: St Ann's Square, M2 7DH
Victoria Baths
The renovation of Victoria Baths in Longsight is well under way, partly thanks to the BBC’s Restoration series. On the first Sunday of each month until November each year, you can mooch round and appreciate the lovely tiles, stained glass windows and fascinating features such as the bath-side changing cubicles and steam-room contraptions. Address: Hathersage Road, M13 0FE
The Daily Express Building
On the far edge of the Northern Quarter, the former Daily Express Building is a fabulous Art Deco curvy black and silver glass structure reflecting the version on London’s Fleet Street. The newspaper left in the 80s and it is now an apartment block, but its facade still gives contemporary architecture a run for its money. Address: 19 Great Ancoats Street, M60 4BT.
Central Library
The much loved Manchester Central Library reopened in March 2014 following an extensive refurbishment and extension. Visitors are invited to pop in to relax and unwind in the city's 'living room' or be inspired in new spaces such the Henry Watson Music Library and the BFI Mediatheque.
