From the railway viaduct looking south‑east towards Whitworth Street West

“Having had the privilege of meeting the inimitable Steve Coogan at MIPIM 2026…”

Having had the privilege of meeting the inimitable Steve Coogan at MIPIM 2026 while in Cannes with Marketing Manchester, it feels only right that this week’s Flashback Friday features the warehouse building that once housed the legendary Hacienda nightclub (11/13 Whitworth Street West).

The top photo, kindly provided by Steve Welsh, was taken in 2000 from the railway viaduct looking south‑east towards Whitworth Street West. The former Hacienda sits on the left - closed for three years by that point.

Beyond the viaduct is the area once known as Grand Island: historically the Gaythorn Gasworks and later home to the British Council/BT building, visible on the right (constructed in 1991).

Fast‑forward a quarter of a century: the bottom photo was taken early 2026 and captures some of the dramatic transformation. The Hacienda was demolished in 2002 and replaced by 130 apartments, designed by Stephenson Bell for Crosby Homes.

The wider area beyond the viaduct was brought forward for regeneration by Ask Real Estate - originally branded Central Spine and later First Street. The 2008 Development Framework which included masterplanning by Squire & Partners set out ambitions for more than 3.2 million sq ft of new and refurbished commercial, residential, retail and leisure floorspace. Work began on the delivery of the Masterplan a year later.

The recent view includes HOME (designed by Mecanoo); the First Street car park and Innside Hotel (both designed by SimpsonHaugh); and in the distance, RENAKER’s No.1 Cambridge Street, designed by Hodder + Partners.