Coronation Street experience gets investment ahead of reopening

The popular Coronation Street Tour in Manchester, UK, has been expanded into a brand new visitor attraction that will open to the public next month.

Until now, fans of the world's longest-running soap opera have been able to visit the external sets of the show at MediaCityUK on a guided tour that takes in the iconic Coronation Street, Rosamund Street and Victoria Street.

The tours take place over the weekend, as the set is being used during weekdays to film the show.

From 11 June, however, those visiting the site will have more to explore, thanks to a new visitor centre and cinema and access being opened to sets previously out-of-bounds for visitors.

The new areas will be open to visitors every day of the week – although the 90-minute tours will continue to be available only on weekends.

In a statement, ITV – the broadcaster which owns the Coronation Street IP – said: "Coronation Street: The Tour has evolved to become The Coronation Street Experience, now complete with an exhibition, replica sets, costumes, props, café, retail and cinema.

"Visitors will be able to journey through more than 60 years of television history as they explore original iconic props and costumes, a collection of artwork and replica interior sets of The Dobbs, Roy’s Rolls and The Rovers Return."

"Those visiting during the week can enter our exhibition centre, cinema, café and gift shop – or they can visit during the weekend and get all of this, plus a 90-minute tour of the external Coronation Street set."

The Coronation Street Experience is operated by Continuum, which manages a portfolio of visitor attractions across the UK.