'Last of its kind’ historic Manchester warehouse that's up for sale now and valued at more than £2million

At the height of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, there were around 1,800 warehouses in Manchester. There were so many, in fact, that the city was nicknamed “Warehouse City.”

Today, many of them have been demolished or repurposed, but there is one in the Gay Village, possibly even the last of its kind, that is in desperate need of a new owner otherwise it could be lost forever.

The small textile warehouse at 51-53 Richmond Street was constructed in 1860 and until recently had stayed in the same family for decades. It has just gone on the market for the first time and property auctioneers Landwood Group have valued the historic building at more than £2million.

Last year, conservation charity SAVE Britain’s Heritage included 51-53 Richmond Street on the Buildings At Risk register. In the group’s report on Manchester’s historic buildings, it said: “This grade II listed former textile warehouse built in the 1860s, is considered a unique example of a small purpose-built warehouse which has undergone very little alteration since its construction. Now disused, it is vulnerable to unsympathetic development.” 

Both the interiors and exteriors of the building have hardly changed since the building was built over 150 years ago. It includes 3,400 sq. ft spread across three floors and basement, mostly open-plan. 

Landwood are hoping that the new owners will maintain the building’s character. They say it has potential to be refurbished into three or four apartments of workspace, and there may also be opportunity to expand with further development of the adjacent car park. One of the recently developed townhouses near the property recently sold for £650,000. 

Partner James Ashworth said: "We recognise the importance of this heritage site and are excited to play our part in ensuring the buildings endure for generations to come. Properties as historically significant as this are rare to see. This unique site has withstood the test of time, narrowly escaping destruction during Second World War bombings that destroyed neighbouring buildings.

"It presents a fantastic investment opportunity as one of the last of its kind in the city. With a prime location in Manchester, refurbishment and renovation or development are all options open to a buyer and we expect it to generate a lot of interest and excitement amongst potential purchasers.”