Ever wondered about the secrets hidden within Manchester’s vibrant Printworks? Let’s delve into its fascinating past.
The Printworks isn’t just a modern entertainment complex. It stands on hallowed ground. It’s built upon the legacy of Edward Hulton a 19th-century newspaper magnate. In 1873 Hulton established his printing business on Withy Grove. His son Sir Edward expanded it further. The Printworks inherited this rich journalistic history.
The original building was a powerhouse of print. It was called Withy Grove Printing House. It later became known as the Chronicle Buildings Allied House Kemsley House Thomson House and finally Maxwell House. The names reflect its changing ownership. Kemsley House became Europe’s largest newspaper printing house. It churned out millions of newspapers weekly.
The building’s glory days ended in 1988. Robert Maxwell the infamous media tycoon bought the property. He closed it down. The building was left empty and derelict for over a decade. It stood as a silent testament to a bygone era.
Then came the transformation. After the 1996 IRA bombing Manchester needed a boost. The Printworks project was part of the city’s redevelopment. Shudehill Developments a joint venture bought the site for £10 million. They spent a further £110 million converting the derelict building into an entertainment venue. The transformation was huge. The original Portland stone facade remained. A part of the old internal railway even found a new purpose.
The Printworks opened in 2000. Sir Alex Ferguson and Lionel Richie were there to celebrate. It boasts a huge cinema complex including Northwest England’s first IMAX screen. There’s a fitness club restaurants and nightclubs. It’s a far cry from its printing past. The Printworks continues to evolve. The building’s external lighting regularly changes.
The Printworks has had several owners. Resolution Property bought it in 2008 for £100 million. Land Securities acquired it in 2012 for £93.9 million. The building stands as a symbol of Manchester’s resilience its ability to adapt and reinvent itself. It’s a place where history and entertainment collide. A legacy built on ink now lights up the city night.