As the third largest city in England, Manchester has always been assured of its importance to the region, North and wider world. A place which was once at the forefront of the industrial revolution, and one which was previously dubbed ‘Cottonopolis’ in the Victorian era, this city is now one of vibrance and multi-cultural heritage.
Following our previous collection of architectural shots taken in our home city of Leeds back in November 2023, we were keen to capture the synonymous sites associated with Manchester’s rich history, which were exclusively commissioned for Yasper earlier this year.
With 100,000 people due to be residing in Manchester city centre by 2026, you could be forgiven for thinking the city’s recent property boom means its heritage buildings would soon be overridden by glass skyrises and purpose-built office blocks. However, its unique layout means classical and modern architecture can reside harmoniously.
Step off the train in Manchester and evidence of the city’s industrial past is hard not to see. While the city’s smaller waterways are no longer in commercial use (although if our clients have anything to do with it, watch this space), the Manchester Ship Canal has been the making of the city. Once the third busiest port in the UK, it still enables ocean-going vessels to navigate their way from the Mersey right through to Salford.
Originally built for commercial use by the Refuge Assurance Company, the building now known as the Kimpton Clock Tower Hotel is one of the city’s most famous buildings. Typical for a red brick building in Manchester, it was in fact designed by the architect, Alfred Waterhouse, who was also responsible for the Natural History Museum in London too.
These photographs were taken by David Lyndsay, a long-time collaborator of Yasper’s who never fails to capture the history and brilliance of a city. If you aren’t already following us on social media, why not head over to our Instagram page as we turn our attention North Westward in the coming months....