From the brutalist structures of the sixties to remnants of our industrial past, Greater Manchester is littered with once great buildings that have fallen into disrepair.
While the rest of the city continues to be developed or redeveloped at a rapid pace, these architectural relics seem to have been left behind. In some cases, preservation groups have campaigned to save them and developers have shown interest in others. But for the most part, the only people to have seen inside them in recent years are intrepid urban explorers – who don’t always operate legally.
Although these buildings may pique your curiosity, please note that many of them are privately-owned and/or dangerous, so it is not advised you try and explore them yourself.
Let’s show these dilapidated landmarks some love. Here are some of our favourite Greater Manchester abandoned buildings.
Have we missed any? Let us know via our Facebook page.
1. Chorlton Leisure Centre
This former swimming baths shut down in 2015. There are now plans to transform it into a residential building for elderly people. Until recently it was inhabited by a squatter community. Photo: Google Maps | Google Maps
2. Stretford Memorial Hospital
The hospital shut its doors in 2015, but a large amount of medical equipment was left behind, making it popular with urban explorers. Photo: Google Maps | Google Maps
3. Hellfire Club
This goth nightclub in Collyhurst closed its doors for good in 2014, having opened in 2007. It was formerly a pub and hotel. The building dates back to around 1870. Photo: Google Maps | Google Maps
4. Theatre Royal
This grand building on Peter Street in the city centre was first opened in 1845. It is the oldest surviving theatre in Manchester, but has remained empty until 2009. Photo: Google Maps | Google Maps