A change in the Weather
Costa, Co-op & cop shop among additions Garden tribute to 22 arena blast victims
IT may look like it’s all change on the cobbles, but this new set is grounded in tradition.
Coronation Street’s revamped and extended exterior lot, unveiled to the cast yesterday, now features a Costa, a Co-op, a tram stop and a police station.
But the stars playing out plotlines against the new backdrop at Manchester’s Trafford Wharf Road site will be standing on 7,000 cobbles salvaged from the old Quay Street site, Corrie’s home from 1982 to 2013.
The expanded Weatherfield, a continuation of the 1999 addition of part of Victoria Street, hits screens on April 20. Producer Kate Oates said: “The Victoria Street extension represents an exciting chapter in Corrie history, full of dramatic potential.”
And in a poignant tribute, the urban garden is dedicated to the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena bombing last May – including Corrie superfan
Martyn Hett. Its mosaic-covered bench features 22 flowers, representing the victims. Martyn’s family had a private viewing last week, but visited again yesterday, bringing his ashes to scatter.
Dad Paul said: “Martyn would have loved it. The whole family has been so touched by the gesture.”
The extension was planned after ITV moved the show to six episodes a week. Much was built from reclaimed brick, slate, metal and tile – and builders were asked for their “worst bricklaying” to give an authentic look. Costa and Co-op have product-placement deals, but characters will not go in or out.
The cast are thrilled and Julia Goulding (Shona Ramsey) said: “You’ve got to remember this isn’t new for the characters, they’ve always walked to the tram, it’s just we can now see them doing it.”
Daniel Brocklebank (vicar Billy Mayhew) added: “It opens up so many opportunities. It’s great they want to invest and expand the show.”