Salford side of the River Irwell

“gives an indication of the remnants of the industrial legacy.”

Huge thanks to Steve Welsh for unearthing this absolute gem for this Flashback Friday!

The top photo was taken on the Salford side of the River Irwell in 1981, looking towards Manchester, and gives an indication of the remnants of the industrial legacy.

On the left is, what was at the time, the derelict Albert Warehouse, built in 1844 (listed in 1974). Next to it is the shed building which adjoined the New Botony Warehouse.

The Albert Warehouse was converted to a hotel in 1989 and subsequently extended. The New Botony Warehouse and shed was apparently used by Granada TV as a studio and also housed costumes and props. A fire destroyed the buildings in 1983 and they were subsequently demolished.

The bottom photo, taken July 2025, shows the incredible change since (fascinating to note that if you look carefully you can still see the footings of the New Botony Warehouse!)

From left to right:

The Albert Warehouse is now the Manchester Marriott Victoria and Albert Hotel.

Behind the Hotel you can see the Leftbank apartment building, part of Spinningfields.

The 32 and 36 storey Union buildings designed by Denton Corker Marshall on behalf of Vita Group with 762 apartments.

Aviva Studios, designed by OMA and delivered through a partnership between Manchester City Council and Allied London. Home to Factory International located on the site of the former Granada Studios.

Finally, at the top of the picture you can see part of the Ordsall Chord which was completed in 2017.