Beneath our feet lie the remnants of a once-thriving theater. Now we stand before St James’ Buildings. This building is more than just a structure. It is a testament to Manchester’s industrial and architectural ambition.
St James’ Buildings is on Oxford Street. It is a Grade II listed building. The building showcases the Edwardian Baroque style. It stands as a reminder of Manchester’s textile history.
Completed in 1912, St James’ Buildings was commissioned as the headquarters for the Calico Printers’ Association Ltd. This association united 46 textile printing companies and 13 merchants. The CPA sought to consolidate their operations under one roof. This was a massive undertaking at the time.
The building replaced St James’s Hall and Theatre. The theater was once the largest assembly hall in the city center. It held 2,500 people. James Reilly owned it. He also owned Pomona Gardens.
Before its demolition, the theater had an interesting history. The Tiller Girls school found a home here. John Tiller created this school. His precision dancing routines became world-famous. The theater later became an American Roller Skate Rink.
Clegg, Fryer and Penman designed St James’ Buildings. The partnership was formed to expedite the construction. The building was one of the earliest steel-framed buildings in the country. Its Portland stone facade made a statement. It dared to use white stone in a smog-filled city.
The building’s scale was impressive. It was the largest commercial house in Manchester when it opened. The design cleverly incorporated the Rochdale Canal. It also spanned over two roads. The foyer is believed to replicate features of the original theater entrance.
Inside St James’ Buildings, the Calico Printers’ Association hosted an annual arts and crafts exhibition. Employees showcased their talents. They displayed paintings, embroidery and metalwork. The Guardian covered the show. It drew crowds of 8,000 people weekly.
The building also featured a state-of-the-art safe deposit. It was in the basement. Ratner Safe Company built it. It had drill-proof and flame-proof steel doors. The safe deposit even included a triple chronometer lock.
St James’ Building transformed the neighborhood. It shifted the area from theaters to commerce. The nearby theaters remained popular. CPA staff often visited them. Some even roller-skated or played cricket on the roof during lunch breaks.
The CPA vacated the building in 1968. They merged with English Sewing Cotton Company. Today, Bruntwood owns St James’ Buildings. They lease it to various businesses.
Look closely at the rear of St James’ Buildings. You can spot remnants of the Bloom Street power station. These pipes once carried steam around the city. They powered systems like the Palace Theatre’s curtain.
As you leave St James’ Buildings remember its history. It was once a theater. It then became a symbol of Manchester’s textile industry. It stands as a testament to the city’s architectural ambition.