Deansgate Railway Station

Deansgate Station is actually referred to as Deansgate GMEX if you’re ever on the train wanting to get off at this beauty. I love Manchester’s public transport system and I love Deansgate station for it’s beauty. What’s more right across the way is the GMEX metro link station. Connecting the wonders of Manchester effortlessly.
I’ve never noticed this little corner before but after living here a while now, it’s about time I appreciated it and share with you all. The corner where Whitworth Street West meets Deansgate is sublime. I’ve never been interested in architecture but now I’ve come to realise how amazing this area is. The station itself, the bridges, the canal and the cobbled pavements, it all exudes structural brilliance and beauty. The nice rustic type structural brilliance. Best of all I witness this as part of the start to my day practically every day

Deansgate Station deserves a mention because so many other stations that are complete rubbish have been reviewed such as Mauldeth Road and Victoria. Whilst these stations are just boring old train stations, Deansgate Station is a piece of architecture worthy of a viewing along with the Castlefield/​Deansgate canal routes and the old ruins nearby. A real piece of Manchester’s historical character. As the other review is not about the station at all but about Deansgate the road and area, here’s a bit about the station.
It was opened as Knott Mill on 20 July 1849 and you can still see the old Knott Mill sign just above the new Deansgate one. The sign isn’t as old as all that, because it was a wooden station back then. It was rebuilt to what it is today in the 1890s. It was later called Knott Mill & Deansgate, but now it is sadly plain old Deansgate.
In 2006 its annual passenger total was only about thirteen thousand, but now it is well clear of a hundred and twenty thousand. This could be because its so good that its popular, or because the world is suffering from overpopulation, which will eventually kill us all

Ah, Deansgate. Of all the Manchester stations it is probably the most overlooked, predominantly because one rarely finds oneself here. After all, Deansgate street itself isn’t hugely famous for its shopping. It has the Locks, of course… I hear you all groaning out there, I know, the Locks just aren’t cool… but the transport links here are actually pretty good. The footbridge linking it to the Metrolink station for example is a genius idea. Have you even used the Manchester trams? They’re not that bad, you know. I managed to get all the way from Salford Quays to Deansgate and back again using those bad boys. You can get to Eccles too, Trafford, all those back and beyond places people commute from.
Speaking of commuting, with all the offices around the Deansgate area this is something of a commuter station. Also its link to the G Mex, that conference centre which actually started life as Central Manchester Railway Station. Yes, believe it or not, Deansgate used to be considered the centre of Manchester! Which it technically still is, but you know what I mean, everyone who shops, eats or drinks here tends to get off at Piccadilly or Victoria.
*Shudders.* Victoria. Remember that?
Yikes. At least Deansgate is both well-​worn AND charming. Speaking of well-​worn and charming, let me just go check on my Christmas chutney. Yes, as far as I’m concerned the recession is still firmly in place and my relatives are going to have to make do with chutney in recycled jars. They’d better appreciate it.
Sheesh, I thought that was a lot of vinegar, that almost blew my nostril hairs right off. I hope it turns out okay. Oh gosh, where was I? Sorry, Deansgate. What else can I say about this station. Well, to talk more about the Deansgate area itself, I must say that the myth revolving around a lack of shopping in this particular area is rather unfair, really. Kendal’s anyone? The little shops on West King Street? The link to King Street itself, with all its high-​end high street boutiques? The new shops near the end that leads you to Marks and Spencers? There’s plenty on offer down the road from the G-​Mex. And I always find the station itself well kempt, with as I’ve said superb transport links as well as decent accessibility. Deansgate station is close by to bars like Atlas, which make great use of the original mill features surrounding the area, and places of interest such as the Museum of Science and Industry. It’s also mightily close to Castlefield and Castle Quay, which harbour some of the prettiest places in the city. This little rail stop is a lot closer to the things you need in Manchester than you’d think, so stop crowding up Piccadilly and Victoria and show this li’l station some love.
Oh, and my chutney turned out exceptionally, by the way. Kind of like a cross between a pickle and an onion marmalade. Consider it great with cheese.