The Express Building: Manchester’s Streamline Moderne Icon

Architectural Innovation of the 1930s

The Express Building is a hallmark of Streamline Moderne style, a late type of Art Deco architecture characterized by sleek curves and horizontal lines. Designed by engineer Sir Owen Williams and completed in 1939, the building’s most distinctive features include its rounded corners, glass curtain walls, and exposed concrete pillars supporting each floor. Originally, the glass was transparent, allowing passersby to glimpse the bustling printing presses inside. Over time, reflective glass replaced the original, enhancing privacy for the residential and office spaces now housed within.

A Legacy of Print and Progress

The building was initially constructed as the Daily Express newspaper’s Manchester printing works, with printing presses on the lower floors and offices above. This hub of news production was a noisy, ceaseless center of activity for five decades. The building’s significance was recognized early, earning Grade II listed status in 1974, making it one of the youngest buildings in Manchester to receive such protection. Despite ceasing print operations by the late 1980s, the Express Building’s historical importance endures.

Transformation and Modern Revival

Since the 1990s, the Express Building has undergone multiple renovations and expansions, including a notable extension on its northwest corner that respects the original design ethos. The building has been repurposed into a modern mixed-use development featuring residential apartments and office spaces. Recent refurbishments have introduced wellness studios, rooftop terraces with panoramic city views, podcast booths, and event spaces, blending historic charm with contemporary amenities.

A Hub for Innovation and Creativity

Today, the Express Building hosts Huckletree Ancoats, a vibrant coworking community fostering startups, creative agencies, and tech innovators. This workspace accelerator offers flexible desk options, meeting rooms, meditation studios, and a plant café, creating an environment that balances productivity with wellbeing. Its location in the revitalized Ancoats neighborhood places it near trendy bars, restaurants, and cultural hotspots, making it a dynamic place to work and connect.

Symbol of Ancoats’ Regeneration

The Express Building stands as a shining gateway to Manchester’s Northern Quarter and Ancoats, embodying the area's transformation from industrial heartland to a creative and cultural district. Its timeless design and adaptive reuse reflect the city’s commitment to preserving architectural heritage while embracing modern urban living and working.

Enduring Architectural Presence

With its streamlined silhouette and glass façade, the Express Building remains a visual landmark on Great Ancoats Street. Its history as a former printing powerhouse, combined with its contemporary role as a creative hub, offers visitors and locals alike a unique glimpse into Manchester’s evolving urban story.