The Great Northern Warehouse
“So much change to cover over the last 32 years ”
This one is definitely up there as one of our favourites.
Firstly, huge thanks to Greater Manchester Police for allowing the use of the top photo, taken in 1992. Their original photo can be viewed here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gmpolice1/16388788432
The bottom photo was expertly taken in July 2025 by David Booth of Place North (thank you David and incredible work matching up the photos!)
So much change to cover over the last 32 years and apologies in advance for missing anything. Panning from left to right:
In the top left hand corner of the photo you can see Northcliffe House which was demolished as part of an early phase of Allied London’s Spinningfields in 2002.
The cinema/ retail extension to the Great Northern Warehouse which took place around 1999/ 2000 as part of the wider Great Northern works.
In the background you can see Phase 2 of Relentless Group and Salboy’s St Michael’s scheme steadily rising, designed by Hodder + Partners and being delivered by Domis Construction.
Hidden in the new photo but you can see the back of the Free Trade Hall which was demolished in 2002 and replaced with the Radisson Edwardian.
Under construction in front of Beetham Tower and The Manchester Deansgate Hotel, by IHG (constructed 2003 to 2007) is Dean Street Developments’ apart hotel scheme; both of which were designed by SimpsonHaugh.
Next to that is Viadux by Salboy, also designed by SimpsonHaugh.
In the foreground is Whitworth Street West and the railway arches which were converted into Deansgate Locks around 2000/2001.
To the right of Deansgate Locks is Axis, designed by Jon Matthews Architects on behalf of Property Alliance.
And: in the background, Bridgewater Hall and Barbirolli Square which opened in 1996 (built in part on the site of the former Tommy Ducks pub, also visible in the 1992 photo).
Finally (!) crane in the foreground with the Mayo Civil Engineering Limited logo is part of the Fusion construction site delivering Fusion M1.
Phew…let me know if I have missed anything!