Portland Street

Did you ever imagine a street named after another? Portland Street in Manchester borrowed its name from its London counterpart. Wealthy Manchester men in the early 19th century brought a touch of London to their city. Portland Street wasn’t always a bustling thoroughfare. It started life as a humble lane called Garrett Lane, named after the 14th-century Garrett Hall. This street transformed into Victorian Manchester’s showpiece. The street originally ended at David Street, later renamed Princess Street. From the 1840s, warehouses began to dominate the area, shaping Portland Street’s character. The 1911 Victoria County History describes a “very fine vista” of warehouses, “chiefly constructed in brick and terra cotta.” Sadly, the Manchester Blitz during World War II damaged this impressive parade. Later developments sometimes disregarded the original building line, altering the street’s historic appearance. Portland Street boasts a variety of architectural styles. Watts Warehouse, now Britannia House, stands as a prime example. Built in 1851, each floor showcases a different style, a “licentious bit of confectionery in stone, iron, timber and glass.” Four roof pavilions with wheel windows crown the building. In the mid-1970s, the warehouse was adapted for new uses. St. Andrew’s House, later renamed Manchester One, and Telephone House, built in the 1960s, present a contrast with their modern slab design. St. Andrew’s House employed a novel construction technique. Its 21-story core was cast continuously, allowing tenants to occupy lower floors while upper stories were still under construction. The Bank of England building, with its solid podium and contrasting blocks, adds another layer to Portland Street’s architectural tapestry. After the bank vacated the premises, it was repurposed. Portland Street also houses the Pickles Building, a former warehouse dating back to 1870, and Westminster House, once the County Hall for Greater Manchester County Council. For those seeking a unique pub experience, The Circus Tavern claims the title of Europe’s smallest bar. This Grade II listed building offers a cozy atmosphere. Portland Street tells a story of transformation, from a quiet lane to a bustling commercial center. Its architecture reflects the changing times, from Victorian warehouses to modern office blocks. The street, although marked by war and redevelopment, retains its historic charm.