Having had no luck with a different site we decided to have a look at this place after seeing it posted recently on here.
The Britannia Hotel on Portland Street is the former Watts Warehouse built between 1851 and 1856 for James Watts' textile company; who rose to be one of the most influential industrialists in the country. Apparently Prince Albert stayed with Watts in his Cheadle home when he came to Manchester in 1857 to see the Art Treasures Exhibition.
At a cost of £100,000 the building was constructed of sandstone and had 5 floors, each built in a different architectural style. Pevsner describes it as, "King of the home trade warehouses, a vast and ambitious affair." ... "The length is twenty-three bays or circa 300 ft, the height nearly 100 ft. There are four roof towers.."
The building became derelict and was threatened with demolition in 1972, fortunately for Manchester it was saved. It underwent major works to convert the building into the current Britannia Hotel in 1982.
After an awkward moment almost being spotted halfway up a wall by a cleaner we were up top...
Would have rather been up at night but oh well!
The Britannia Hotel on Portland Street is the former Watts Warehouse built between 1851 and 1856 for James Watts' textile company; who rose to be one of the most influential industrialists in the country. Apparently Prince Albert stayed with Watts in his Cheadle home when he came to Manchester in 1857 to see the Art Treasures Exhibition.
At a cost of £100,000 the building was constructed of sandstone and had 5 floors, each built in a different architectural style. Pevsner describes it as, "King of the home trade warehouses, a vast and ambitious affair." ... "The length is twenty-three bays or circa 300 ft, the height nearly 100 ft. There are four roof towers.."
The building became derelict and was threatened with demolition in 1972, fortunately for Manchester it was saved. It underwent major works to convert the building into the current Britannia Hotel in 1982.
After an awkward moment almost being spotted halfway up a wall by a cleaner we were up top...
Would have rather been up at night but oh well!
