Gmex Hotels
Formerly known as the GMEX centre, the Manchester Central Exhibition & Conference Centre is housed in a former railway station, built between 1875 and 1880. The current structure retains the contours of the original’s huge wrought iron and glass segmental vault. The station ceased operations in 1969 and became the G MEX Centre in 1986. In 2005 it was announced that the venue would regain its old name of Manchester Central (though many people still call it G-MEX). Hotels near GMEX are also close to Manchester city centre.
In recent years the expanded Manchester Central complex has scored notable success as a host of political conventions, with both the Labour and Conservative Parties announcing it as the venue for conferences in 2008 and 2011 respectively. Along with large-scale, high profile events, it also hosts smaller meetings and in 2007 was the hub of the Manchester International Festival. It also endures as an entertainment venue, with acts such as the Manic Street Preachers, the Arctic Monkeys and local hero Morrissey performing there.