Hanover Building, Manchester

The Hanover Building in Manchester is a notable example of Edwardian Baroque architecture, strategically located in the NOMA district. Constructed initially in 1905 and opened officially in 1907, this Grade II listed building represents an important piece of the city’s architectural and commercial history.

The building integrates two distinct structures: the original E Block, a drapery warehouse built in 1904 by the Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS), and an extension named Hanover, added in 1909. This expansion brought the total space to approximately 100,000 square feet, accommodating office and additional warehouse space.

Designed by F.E.L. Harris, a CWS architect, Hanover utilized cutting-edge construction techniques of its time, including the use of over 1.5 million bricks. The design emphasizes robust Edwardian Baroque features, constructed primarily from red brick complemented by polished granite and sandstone dressings. Materials were sourced locally as much as possible, including Baxenden bricks, Darley Dale stone from Derbyshire, and Aberdeen granite.

The building's aesthetic is marked by ornate pilasters, Corinthian order columns, and parapet walls that conceal the roof. An interesting historical note is the original top floor, which housed the Mitchell Memorial Hall but was lost during the Manchester Blitz of 1940-41 and never rebuilt. Another unique feature is the series of medallions encircling the building, each engraved with the names of places where the Cooperative Wholesale Society traded at the time, showcasing global connections. A notable error during construction was the misspelling of 'Sydney' as 'Sidney', a mistake still visible today.