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.
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.
5. The Church of All Souls
This Grade-II listed church on Every Street in Ancoats has been derelict for around 30 years, although there has been some speculation about the building being redeveloped into residential properties. Photo: Google Maps
6. The Prudential Assurance Building
The Prudential Assurance Building, or ‘the Pru” as its known locally, has been abandoned for over a decade. In 2020, it was put on the Victorian Society’s list of most endangered buildings. Oldham council now plans to turn it into a “business incubation hub.” Photo: Google Maps
7. Victoria Theatre
This Victorian theatre in Salford, built in 1899 by theatre architect Bertie Crewe, was last used as a bingo hall but shut its doors in 2007. It is currently on the Theatre Trust’s ‘Theatres at risk register.’ Photo: Google Maps
8. The Toast Rack
Known locally as the Toast Rack, the former Manchester Metropolitan University Hollings Building has been empty since 2013. Photo: Google Maps