Ay up, it's the H'Eiffel Tower! Residents of Manchester district of Harpurhey light up former smokestack in bid to take on PARIS

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Updated: 08:53 EST, 4 August 2011

Paris and Harpurhey might seem unlikely twins.

One is the home of famous writers, cultural landmarks and great places to eat and shop.

The other is merely... the capital of France.

Jewel of The North: The newly lit-up chimney on the old Harpurhey Baths, which locals hope will attract tourists

But the two could soon be united after the north Manchester district launched its Gallic-flavoured tourist attraction dubbed the 'H'Eiffel tower'.

The tower - a converted chimney on top of the Harpurhey Baths - has been illuminated with blue lights which can be seen across the north of the city.

Councillors say the landmark has become such a local talking point they have invited the mayor of Paris to an official opening.

And they have proposed a friendship agreement between Paris and Harpurhey, which would see the two officially 'twinned'.

The link may not be obvious to the casual observer.

Less noteworthy attractions: Rochdale Road (above) and Manchester Harpurhey Market (below)

While Paris (population 2.1m) is one of Europe's biggest and richest cities, Harpurhey (population 8,834) was recently named the most deprived neighbourhood in Britain.

But the area has always punched above its weight.

It is the birthplace of Anthony Burgess, author of A Clockwork Orange, and the home of the Embassy Club - the legendary comedy venue where Bernard Manning held court.

And though Paris may be renowned for designer fashion houses like Coco Chanel and Christian Dior, Harpurhey has much more sensibly-priced clothes in Ethel Austen and George at Asda.

The tower, which was built in 1910, dominates the new building of Manchester College after a £9m transformation of the Edwardian bathhouse.

Pat Karney, councillor for Harpurhey, said: ‘I think Parisians would recognise themselves in Harpurhey people. Like them, we are proud of our area and aspirational about our place in the world.

Sights in Paris: The Eiffel Tower lit up at night (left) and Tour de France cyclists finishing at the Champs Elysees

‘We are also very romantic - in the summer, Rochdale Road is like the Champs d'Elysees.

‘The old baths are one of the most famous buildings in north Manchester. 

‘The people who built it in 1910 would be astonished and proud that it has been turned into a great learning centre.

The Tower is the Parisian 'cerise sur le gateau' [cherry on the cake].’ Fellow councillor Joanne Green said: ‘It's fantastic to have our own H'Eiffel Tower. 

‘We have created a piece of Paris in Harpurhey so we are writing to the Mayor of Paris, Monsieur Bertrand Delanoe, to see if Paris wants to have a Friendship Agreement with Harpurhey. 

‘I hope he agrees to open our new tourist attraction.’

The Rochdale Road Baths were designed by Henry Price, the architect behind the celebrated Victoria Baths.

PARIS VERSUS HARPURHEY

PERKS OF PARIS

Best-known street: The Champs Elysees

Most famous entertainment venue: The Moulin Rouge

Top fashion emporium: Christian Dior

Best local dish: Canard à l'Orange, pictured above.

Most prestigious seat of learning: The Collège de Sorbonne

Famous religious landmark: Notre Dame cathedral

Best-loved annual event: The final stage of the Tour de France

HIGHLIGHTS OF HARPURHEY

Best-known street: Rochdale Road

Most famous entertainment venue:  Bernard Manning's Embassy Club

Top fashion emporium: George at Asda

Best local dish: The Chip Butty, pictured above

Most prestigious seat of learning: Harpur Mount Primary School

Famous religious landmark: St Stephen's church

Best-loved annual event: The switching on of the Christmas lights