The word “factory” has a double meaning in Manchester. It encapsulates both the city’s industrial past and its reinvention as a vibrant, modern destination.

The modern connection began with Tony Wilson, who founded the independent Factory Records music label in 1978 when the city was down on its luck. Factory Records brought us bands including Joy Division, New Order and the Happy Mondays as well as the legendary Haçienda nightclub. Together they helped to put the city on the map and were a key factor in kick-starting its regeneration.

The term “factory” is still firmly embedded as a key part of the city’s cultural terminology, despite the label going bust 30 years ago. The name is now being applied to what is described as a new global destination for music, culture and the arts. Called Factory International, this venture is a huge multipurpose entertainment venue being built on the site of the old Granada TV studios in the St John’s area of the city.

…