A new urban park in Manchester [a major industrial city in northern England] features Britain's first parking lot for UFOs. A landing pad made from ancient cobblestones has been laid at Hulme with some very special visitors in mind.
Developers have even suggested that a giant arch at the gateway to the city will act as a traffic light to guide in alien spacecraft.
The landing pad in Zion square is part of a 3 million pound-sterling inner city regeneration project in the area of Hulme and Hulme Park in Manchester.
Passing aliens could not have a finer place to land, locals say, for the heat resistant granite cobbles come from the road which led to the old Rolls Royce factory on the site.
Project director Barbara McLoughlin said: "If ET turns up, we'll make sure he's welcomed."
The idea for a parking lot for UFOs came after a meeting between local families and architects over the development of the 15 acre park. University lecturer and local resident Dave Ellis revealed a study of ley lines -- thought to be lines of electromagnetic force with strong spiritual significance -- that he and other students of geomantics found to converge at the site entrance.
A spokesman for Manchester City council said: "A new public square has been thoughtfully designed with extraterrestrials in mind.... The local community were keen to ensure Zion Square would be able to cope with an alien landing and the surface material is extremely resistant and is ideal."
Ms. McLoughlin said: "It may have started in a light-hearted way, but the idea has caught the public imagination. Hulme is a very welcoming place -- even for those from another world.
"We're not stupid or crazy either, we're listening to what people in the community want," she added.
Architect Neil Swanson, 37, said: "We were happy to consult local people and there's no doubt that granite cobblestones would be among the best material to take intergalactic craft."
Liberal Democrat counselor Alison Firth said: "I'm amazed and lost for words. I simply can't see the point of this."
Work on the park has already started and more down to earth attractions include two football pitches, a promenade, themed gardens and a children's park.
Original file name: CNI - UFO parking lot
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