Naming conventions

There's a stop on the Metrolink tram network in Manchester currently called GMEX, after the nearby exhibition centre and venue. But the name is going to change when the network signage is refreshed, to coincide with the new spur running to MediaCityUK at Salford Quays.

There's some irony in all this - originally, G-MEX was a railway station, Manchester Central, offering express services to London St Pancras - and the station's huge canopy mirrored that of the London terminus. Manchester Central closed for business in 1969, and GMEX (Greater Manchester Exhibition Centre) opened in 1986. In 2001, a conference centre was added to the complex, called MICC (Manchester International Conference Centre). In 2007 the whole site was rebranded Manchester Central - the obvious name, which should have stuck.

But, no ! The new name for the Metrolink station will be Deansgate-Castlefield - which councillors claim will end confusion, help thousands of visitors and BBC staff.

A wag commenting on the story at the Place North West website asks: "Is it a kindly helpful hand to the neighbouring authority [Salford] or a cunning plan to show them where the real shops and bars are ?"