Member Article

Warehouses Spaces Converted into Office Space Manchester, UK

Manchester is Britain’s northern powerhouse, but it wasn’t always that way. Unlike older, more established cities in the north, Manchester shot up from next to nothing to become one of Britain’s largest cities in only a few decades in the early 1800s. What spurned this growth was the Industrial Revolution and its mark on the city is still perhaps Manchester’s most defining architectural feature, with scores of now ancient factories and warehouses reminding Mancunians of the pain and pride of the city’s industrial past.

While a spate of demolitions during the 1960s and 70s (when Victorian architecture was not considered popular or worth saving) and further neglect during large scale decline in manufacturing in the subsequent decades gave Manchester’s warehouse stock a knock in the second half of the 20th century, they are now recognized as the Victorian and Edwardian gems they always have been. Many have been converted into apartments, but many too have seen new life as hip, post-industrial offices that take advantage of their rough historic charm and wide open interiors so well-suited to 21st century office culture.

Take a look at some of the best examples:

Carver’s Warehouse

This warehouse on Dale Street dates from the beginning of Manchester’s industrial explosion. The building is constructed of watershot millstone grit blocks that make it stand out from the Victorian brick warehouses. Inside, cast-iron columns and timber floors bring office workers back to the time when Victorian workers stocked the building full of industrial goods. There are even quirky boatholes at the bottom of the building for when goods were loaded onto Manchester’s canals.

Robert Street Hub

Robert Street Hub is a coworking space that utilizes its Victorian factory origins to open up into large, comfortable spaces punctuated by its rustic cast-iron pipes. The walls reveal the rough stone brick of Victorian times, and those that don’t sport wall art and inspirational quotes from fighting heroes, from Bruce Lee to Muhammad Ali. Space has also been converted into more intimate meeting areas, chill areas, and a café.

Old Granada Studios

Old Granada Studios has a supply of offices in a truly gargantuan complex of buildings from the old studio, which saw classics such as Coronation Street produced there. OGS captures the vastness most associate with industrial complexes and is today weaving it into a unique mix of offices and creative production spaces for music and film. It is set to become one of the city’s greatest mix-use success stories.

Well Pharmacy Merchants Warehouse

Merchants Warehouse is surrounded by the old Manchester Canals among other atmospheric warehouses in the district. It recently received a top notch makeover to be occupied by Well Pharmacy merging together its raw Victorian features with 21st century furniture and partitions. Standing out in particular, are the massive arches that support the exposed timber floors of the building. Quite a space to place orders and answer emails. The redesign also incorporates breakout and discussion places, and a small mod kitchen for office workers.

Manc Frank Portland Street

Portland Street recently saw a major refurbishment for one of its warehouses when PR agency Manc Frank moved in with the intention of creating a truly bold space. The whole renovation is a celebration of Manchester with murals throughout the office reminding visitors of the city’s history and culture, music, and traditions; including conversation starters like red and blue booths poking fun at the city’s football divide between Man City and Man United: “red or blue, we’re the agency for you!” Not to mention the office has been dubbed as the most fun in the city, it even has a merry go round.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kelly Wilson .