Originally a warehouse, Asia House stands proudly on Princess Street. It’s a striking example of Edwardian Baroque architecture. Constructed between 1906 and 1909, Asia House initially served a very different purpose. It was a bustling hub for packing and shipping, designed for the Refuge Assurance Company. By 1910, it housed 36 shipping merchants, including the Oxford Packing Company. The design is attributed to both I.R.E. Birkett and Harry S. Fairhurst, adding a layer of intrigue to its history. The exterior of Asia House features a beautiful blend of pink-brown sandstone, brick, and marble. But step inside, and you’ll be greeted by an exceptionally rich entrance hall and stairwell. Veined marble, green and cream faience, Art Nouveau stained glass, and tree motifs adorn the interior, a testament to its grand past. Imagine the hustle and bustle of workers using hydraulic presses powered by Manchester’s hydraulic power system to pack goods into bales. The building, once illuminated by gaslight, has seen a dramatic transformation. In 2003, Asia House was converted into residential units, and its basement now serves as a car park. And for any Oasis fans out there, Noel Gallagher once called this place home. Asia House is a unique blend of Manchester’s industrial heritage and modern urban living.
Angel Meadow
Gazing upon this tranquil green space, can you believe Angel Meadow was once dubbed “hell on earth”? Angel Meadow. A