Even before the temporary Free Trade Hall station opened the CLC had been authorised to build a permanent station in 1875, this station, Manchester Central, opened on 1 July 1880, was immediately adjacent to Free Trade Hall station with its frontage on Windmill Street.name=nt13 This station had two stories, goods below and passengers above, it had eight platforms (later increased to nine) six of which were covered by an impressive 210 feet single span roof, the other two were protected by an awning on the side of the shed.