The Express Building: Manchester’s Streamline Moderne Icon
A timeless Streamline Moderne masterpiece blending historic print heritage with vibrant modern workspaces in the heart of Ancoats, Manchester.
The Express Building, located at 9 Great Ancoats Street in Manchester, is a striking example of 1930s Streamline Moderne architecture. Originally opened in 1939 as the Daily Express printing works, it features distinctive curved corners, a glass curtain wall, and concrete pillar supports. Now transformed into a vibrant mixed-use space with offices, apartments, and creative workspaces, it remains a symbol of Ancoats' regeneration and architectural heritage.
A brief summary to Express Building
- The Express Building, 9 Great Ancoats St, Manchester, Ancoats, M4 5AD, GB
- +441612371717
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
- Thursday 8 am-6 pm
- Friday 8 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekday office hours to experience the building’s vibrant coworking atmosphere and access public areas.
- Explore the rooftop terraces for panoramic views of Manchester city centre.
- Check out the wellness and meditation studios inside for a unique blend of work and relaxation.
- Nearby Ancoats offers excellent dining options, including popular pizza and Mediterranean restaurants.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the Manchester Metrolink tram to New Cross station, approximately a 7-minute walk from the Express Building. Trams run frequently throughout the day with tickets costing around £3-£5 for a single journey.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve Great Ancoats Street with stops nearby. From Manchester Victoria bus station, it’s about a 10-15 minute ride. Tickets typically cost £2-£4 depending on route and time.
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Car
Driving to the Express Building is convenient with basement parking available. Note that parking fees apply, generally £10-£15 per day. The area can be busy during peak hours.
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Walking
If you are in Manchester city centre, walking to the Express Building takes about 20 minutes along mostly flat, paved streets, suitable for all fitness levels and wheelchair accessible.
Express Building location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Express Building
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.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Murrays' Mill
0.3 km
Explore Murrays' Mills, the world’s oldest urban steam-powered cotton mill, where industrial heritage meets modern living in Manchester’s historic Ancoats district.
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.5 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Robert Owen Statue
0.7 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
Victory Over Blindness
0.7 km
A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
0.8 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) west portal
0.8 km
A historic tram tunnel portal in Ancoats, symbolizing Manchester’s industrial heritage and urban transformation.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) east portal
0.8 km
Historic tram tunnel portal in Manchester’s industrial Ancoats district, linking past mill heritage with modern urban regeneration.
Arch of Chinatown
0.9 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Connaught Building
0.9 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
Manchester City Council
1.0 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
John Bright Statue
1.0 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
St. Peter's Square
1.0 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Albert Memorial
1.0 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
2 Albert Square
1.0 km
Explore the enchanting Albert Square in Manchester, a hub of culture, history, and culinary delights in the heart of the city.
Manchester Albert Square
1.1 km
Explore the historic charm and vibrant culture of Manchester at Albert Square, a must-visit destination for every tourist.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hallé at St Michael's
0.1 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant music and community venue in Manchester’s cultural heart of Ancoats.
SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Ancoats
0.1 km
Explore SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE in Ancoats—where craft beer meets delicious food in a vibrant pub atmosphere.
Cutting Room Square
0.2 km
A vibrant urban square in Ancoats blending industrial heritage, contemporary dining, and cultural art installations.
The Horsfall
0.2 km
A vibrant creative venue in Manchester’s Ancoats, empowering youth mental health through art and community.
Band on the Wall
0.2 km
Historic Manchester music venue famed for intimate gigs, jazz roots, punk legacy, and a unique stage high on the wall.
Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives
0.2 km
Explore Manchester’s historic police station, original cells, and magistrates’ court in this immersive museum dedicated to policing heritage.
Stevenson Square
0.2 km
Manchester’s Stevenson Square: the energetic Northern Quarter hub for bars, culture, and vibrant nightlife in the city centre.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
0.3 km
Discover handmade crafts, meet local artists, and enjoy artisan café culture in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
The Makers Market
0.3 km
Discover Manchester’s creative pulse at The Makers Market, where artisan crafts, street food, and live music unite in the vibrant Northern Quarter.
DRY BAR
0.3 km
Discover the lively ambiance and eclectic music scene at DRY BAR, a premier bar and nightclub in Manchester's vibrant nightlife.
Shops
0.3 km
Discover Oldham Street, Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter hotspot for vintage fashion, indie shops, live music, and authentic urban culture.
Hilton House Mural
0.3 km
A powerful street art mural in Manchester’s Northern Quarter blending social themes with vibrant urban creativity.
Breakout Manchester Church Street
0.3 km
Experience thrilling, immersive escape rooms on Manchester’s Church Street with diverse themes and challenging puzzles for all skill levels.
Mural - Cityscape under colourful sky
0.3 km
Vibrant cityscape mural brightening the historic Rochdale Canal Tow Path in Manchester’s urban waterside setting.
The Whiskey Jar
0.3 km
Discover The Whiskey Jar in Manchester, where an extensive whiskey collection meets a lively atmosphere, perfect for every occasion.
Essential places to dine
Canto
0.1 km
Experience vibrant Portuguese tapas and Mediterranean flavors in the stylish heart of Ancoats, Manchester’s buzzing culinary hotspot.
Jimmy's Manchester
0.1 km
Discover Jimmy's Manchester: A lively bar serving delicious American BBQ and inventive cocktails in Ancoats.
Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Ancoats
0.2 km
Experience authentic Neapolitan pizza with light, airy crusts and traditional toppings in a lively, rustic setting in Manchester’s Ancoats district.
Viet Shack Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience bold Vietnamese street food flavors and vibrant fusion dishes in the heart of Manchester’s creative Ancoats district.
The Counter House
0.2 km
A relaxed modern European restaurant in Manchester’s Ancoats, offering hearty comfort food with a healthy twist and excellent wine service.
Elnecot
0.2 km
Ancoats’ vibrant modern British bar and kitchen blending inventive seasonal dishes with a warm, industrial-chic atmosphere.
Street Urchin
0.2 km
Bold British seafood and market dining in a modern, plant-filled space with warm service and inventive, seasonal dishes in Manchester’s Ancoats.
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors and lively island vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Turtle Bay.
mana
0.3 km
Manchester’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Mana serves avant-garde British tasting menus in a sleek open-kitchen space in Ancoats.
Evuna NQ
0.3 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant hospitality in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Evuna NQ, a lively hub for food, wine, and culture.
Erst
0.3 km
Seasonal sharing plates and natural wines in Ancoats' industrial-chic haven, where Manchester's food scene thrives.
Almost Famous NQ
0.3 km
Bold, indulgent burgers and vibrant vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a must-visit for burger lovers and casual diners alike.
RIGATONI'S Ancoats
0.3 km
Specialized Southern Italian pasta kitchen in Manchester’s vibrant Ancoats, serving bold, hearty rigatoni dishes in a modern setting.
Yard & Coop Manchester
0.3 km
Savor the best buttermilk fried chicken in Manchester’s Northern Quarter with bold flavors, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere.
SUD Pasta Ancoats
0.3 km
Experience vibrant, handmade Italian pasta and lively communal dining in the heart of Manchester’s trendy Ancoats district.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Norah Store
0.1 km
Boutique womenswear in Ancoats with a slow-fashion, carefully curated edit of rare and independent labels.
Form Lifestyle Store
0.1 km
Discover Manchester's hidden gem: a light-filled Grade II listed haven brimming with indie-crafted homewares, gifts, and creative workshops in the Northern Quarter.
Store Retail Group Ltd
0.1 km
Explore the vibrant retail scene in Ancoats, Manchester, at Store Retail Group Ltd, where local craftsmanship meets urban charm.
Ancoats General Store
0.1 km
A modern corner shop in Ancoats mixing everyday essentials with craft beers, vegan options, coffee and an in‑store post office.
Nordic Muse Lifestyle Store
0.1 km
A quietly curated Northern Quarter boutique for simple, well-crafted jewellery and Nordic-inspired homeware.
Kiku Boutique
0.2 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
Suzylovesmilo concept store
0.2 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Suzylovesmilo, Manchester’s curated concept store blending Japanese influences with local creativity.
Twisted Smile
0.2 km
Discover eclectic style at Twisted Smile, Ancoats' boutique beacon of unique apparel amid Manchester's creative revival. Curated finds and expert advice await in this urban fashion haven. (162 characters)
Studio One - Jewellery, Craft, Gifts and Homewares
0.2 km
Discover exquisite handmade jewellery and crafts at Studio One, a vibrant artisan studio within Manchester’s historic Craft and Design Centre.
Jessica6 Designs
0.3 km
Discover unique luxury gifts and local artistry at Jessica6 Designs within Manchester’s vibrant Craft & Design Centre.
Fred Aldous Ltd
0.3 km
Manchester’s vibrant, family-run arts and crafts emporium with 30,000 products, vintage photo booths, and a creative spirit spanning over 130 years.
Pop Boutique
0.3 km
Tucked into Oldham Street, Pop Boutique is Manchester’s well-curated vintage emporium for mid-century to 1990s fashion finds and eclectic accessories.
&made
0.3 km
Discover unique handmade gifts and artworks at &made, a creative studio in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter craft hub.
Bionic Seven
0.3 km
Discover expertly curated vintage menswear and unique streetwear styles at Bionic Seven, a Northern Quarter icon since 2003.
HighMidLows
0.3 km
Uncover eclectic contemporary fashion in Ancoats' creative heart at HighMidLows, where unique local designs meet everyday style in a vibrant boutique setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Crown & Kettle
0.1 km
Grade II-listed Ancoats gem with a world-class tin ceiling, craft beer mastery, and cozy Victorian vibes—Manchester's perfect pub hybrid.
KERB
0.1 km
Intimate natural wine haven in Ancoats: curved peach walls, pet-nat sparklers, and expert tastings in a Scandi-style cocoon.
The Edinburgh Castle Pub
0.1 km
Historic Ancoats boozer reborn: cosy Victorian pub vibes meet seasonal gastropub mastery and local brews in Manchester's industrial heart.
Bar Fringe
0.1 km
A cozy Northern Quarter bar with quirky charm, top Belgian beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe for relaxed socializing.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar Manchester
0.2 km
Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
The Jane Eyre
0.2 km
Ancoats' inventive neighbourhood bar serving bold small plates, creative cocktails, and Sunday roasts in a buzzing industrial space—perfect for grazing and lingering.
Behind Closed Doors
0.2 km
Descend into debauched delight at this Northern Quarter speakeasy, where retro telephones summon saucy cocktails amid erotic art, neon booths, and funky DJ beats until 4am.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
0.2 km
A vibrant basement bar and gaming hub in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, mixing cocktails, pool, arcade games, and dance club energy.
The Fitzgerald
0.2 km
Velvet seats, craft cocktails and live jazz in a 1920s‑inspired Manchester speakeasy with a stage for cabaret and private hire.
Flok
0.2 km
Lively pub with excellent drinks and friendly vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife.
Wilson's Social
0.2 km
All-day Northern Quarter hub: brunch by day, cocktails and beats by night in a multi-level party palace with pool, courtyard, and private den.
Dusk Til Pawn
0.3 km
Secretive pawn-shop façade, intimate speakeasy interior and a menu of inventive cocktails in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Hold Fast Bar
0.3 km
Dive into Manchester's Northern Quarter basement gem: nautical vibes, retro tiles, banging tunes, and chill nights at Hold Fast Bar.
Night & Day Cafe
0.3 km
Manchester's intimate live music heartbeat in the Northern Quarter—where legends launched and nights ignite with raw indie energy.
blossom street SOCIAL
0.3 km
Chilled wine bar in Ancoats with vinyl vibes, bottle walls, and pop-up fine dining—where sophisticated sips meet casual social hours in Manchester's creative heart.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Aatma
0.2 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Mint Lounge
0.2 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Funkademia
0.2 km
Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.
YDSA Events | Queer Clubbing
0.3 km
Dive into Manchester's most inclusive queer rave: grungy beats, diverse dancers, and unapologetic joy at YDSA Events in Ancoats.
Twenty Twenty Two
0.3 km
Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
Cargo
0.6 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Club Tropicana
0.9 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
Satans Hollow
0.9 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Bijou Club
0.9 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Club Liv Manchester
1.1 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Venue Nightclub
1.2 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
1.2 km
Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
42's
1.3 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Hidden at Downtex Mill
1.3 km
Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.
Viva Manchester
1.4 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
