Summary
Manchester Central celebrated its 40th anniversary this month as a major events venue. Since opening as the Greater Manchester Exhibition Centre (GMEX) on 21 March 1986, it has hosted over 4,100 exhibitions and events across its four-decade history, welcoming approximately 12 million visitors.
The venue's economic impact is significant for Greater Manchester. For every £1 spent by delegates and visitors at Manchester Central, a further £6 is spent locally on accommodation, dining and tourism. This generates approximately £150 million annually and £2.6 billion cumulatively over the past 40 years.
The former Manchester Central Station building has hosted major cultural moments including live performances by Oasis, U2 and Tina Turner, as well as hosting events during the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Today it operates as Manchester Central Convention Complex, regularly attracting international conventions and television productions.
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Common questions
- What is this article about?
- Manchester Central has generated an estimated £2.6 billion economic boost over four decades, hosting more than 4,100 events and welcoming approximately 12 million visitors. The venue now injects around £150 million annually into Greater Manchester's economy.
- When was this published?
- This article was published on 27 July 2026.
- Who published this article?
- This article was published by Prolific North.