The Manchester Cathedral is the most important monument in the city. During the Industrial Revolution, Manchester became a major city, and its population increased dramatically. The city was flooded with immigrants, including Irish, Jews, and Lancastarians. The cathedral is also home to the famous Chetham's School of Music.
The city's central shopping district is pedestrianised. Its main thoroughfare is Market Street, which is dominated by the Manchester Arndale department store and Debenhams branch. Other upmarket designer boutiques can be found along the Shambles. In June 2006, the BBC announced plans to relocate several departments to this area.
Manchester is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with over twelve thousand residents per square mile. Its population increased nine percent between 1980 and 1990, making it the largest city in the state. The city's growth has been rapid over the last century, and the population is projected to continue growing in the years to come.
Public transport in Manchester is extensive. The city has a bus and rail network, including Metrolink. Metrolink connects the city's downtown with nearby communities, including Eccles, Bury, and Altrincham. The service runs every six to twelve minutes, carrying nearly 20 million passengers a year.