They say that every house tells a story and on Coronation Street that is certain the case.
From grisly murders to sordid affairs, Britain’s most famous street has seen it all since bursting onto our television screens on December 9, 1960.
Soon fans will be able to relive some of the soaps most dramatic stories after town hall chiefs approved plans for the legendary Corrie cobbles to open as a visitor attraction.
After moving the set to Media City in November last year, Coronation Street’s legion of devoted fans were delighted to hear rumours of the potential opening.
Following the green light from city bosses, this will be the first time the Quay Street site has been opened for public viewing since the Granada studio tours ended in 1999.
After the soap’s recent triumph at the National Television Awards, developers are confident that the attraction will bring in up to 1,000 visitors per day.
City Centre Councillor Kevin Peel is confident that: “Corrie’s millions of fans would flock to see it, bringing money into Manchester’s economy.
“I hope we’ll be allowed to have a drink in the Rovers!”
Bought by developers Allied London and Manchester City Council for a hefty £26.5 million, there are eventual plans to transform the site into the St John’s Quarter, a new city centre neighbourhood.
Michael Ingall, Chief Executive of Allied London, said: “This is not about creating a great leafy suburb, it’s about inner city living in a high-quality environment.”
But before the sit is knocked down, from April to October, the studio’s Stage One will be open for viewing some of the soap’s most well-known sets alongside the historic exteriors of The Rovers Return and Roy’s Rolls.
The dressing rooms of Corrie’s star names and the Green Room in which they would kick back and relax will also be opened up for the first time ever.
There are even rumours of a gift shop and visitor’s café. What more could a Corrie fan ask for?
With its 53 years of history this will be an exciting opportunity to go beyond the screen and see the processes behind one of the country’s most beloved television dramas.
Image courtesy of Granada TV via YouTube, with thanks.
