Canada House, Manchester
Canada House is a significant historical and architectural landmark in Manchester. Constructed in 1908-09 by W.G. Higginbottom, it was initially built for J.S. Booth and Company, a prominent textile firm, as part of a cluster of buildings known as Princes Buildings (A, B, C, and D). The building is situated on Chepstow Street and is recognized as a Grade II listed structure, highlighting its importance in architectural and cultural heritage.
Historically, the area where Canada House stands was undeveloped fields until the early 19th century. The construction of the nearby Rochdale Canal in 1804 catalyzed urban expansion towards this part of Manchester, transforming it into an industrial quarter specializing in iron, glass, and marble works. This development also included slum dwellings for workers and other warehouses, among them Canada House.
Architecturally, Canada House is designed in the Art Nouveau style, retaining many of its original features which contribute to its distinct character. The building comprises six floors and a basement, designed for multifunctional use. The western side of the building features elaborate and flexible office spaces, while the eastern side, facing a canal spur, was originally used for cloth processing.
In recent years, Canada House has been refurbished by Kinrise, who transformed it into a modern office space while respecting its architectural heritage. The building now hosts 24 resident businesses, including several in the digital and creative industries, and operates at full capacity. It has been equipped with new amenities such as the Clink Café, screening and meeting rooms, and co-working spaces.
Strategically located near important cultural and educational institutions like the Central Library and Archive, Greater Manchester Central Convention Centre, Manchester University, and Manchester Metropolitan University, Canada House remains a vibrant part of Manchester’s cultural and entertainment district. Its proximity to significant venues like the Palace Theatre, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester HOME, and Manchester Art Gallery, along with numerous historic pubs, underscores its standing as a central and lively spot in the city.
Historically, the area where Canada House stands was undeveloped fields until the early 19th century. The construction of the nearby Rochdale Canal in 1804 catalyzed urban expansion towards this part of Manchester, transforming it into an industrial quarter specializing in iron, glass, and marble works. This development also included slum dwellings for workers and other warehouses, among them Canada House.
Architecturally, Canada House is designed in the Art Nouveau style, retaining many of its original features which contribute to its distinct character. The building comprises six floors and a basement, designed for multifunctional use. The western side of the building features elaborate and flexible office spaces, while the eastern side, facing a canal spur, was originally used for cloth processing.
In recent years, Canada House has been refurbished by Kinrise, who transformed it into a modern office space while respecting its architectural heritage. The building now hosts 24 resident businesses, including several in the digital and creative industries, and operates at full capacity. It has been equipped with new amenities such as the Clink Café, screening and meeting rooms, and co-working spaces.
Strategically located near important cultural and educational institutions like the Central Library and Archive, Greater Manchester Central Convention Centre, Manchester University, and Manchester Metropolitan University, Canada House remains a vibrant part of Manchester’s cultural and entertainment district. Its proximity to significant venues like the Palace Theatre, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester HOME, and Manchester Art Gallery, along with numerous historic pubs, underscores its standing as a central and lively spot in the city.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Manchester. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Canada House on Map
Sight Name: Canada House
Sight Location: Manchester, England (See walking tours in Manchester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Manchester, England (See walking tours in Manchester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Manchester, England
Create Your Own Walk in Manchester
Creating your own self-guided walk in Manchester is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Manchester Historical Architecture Tour
Manchester’s architecture is rich in styles. Throughout centuries, the city has evolved in phases, each of which left its peculiar imprint on the city's architectural tapestry. Here, you can see medieval red-brick buildings coexisting harmoniously with concrete-and-glass structures from the modern era.
One notable landmark in Manchester is the Statue of Prince Albert, a regal monument... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
One notable landmark in Manchester is the Statue of Prince Albert, a regal monument... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Manchester Introduction Walking Tour
The seventh most populated city in England, Manchester is an important cultural, industrial and historic center.
The recorded history of Manchester began with the civilian settlement associated with the Roman fort established circa 79 AD on a sandstone bluff near the confluence of the rivers Medlock and Irwell. Having been a manorial township throughout the Middle Ages, Manchester enjoyed rapid... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
The recorded history of Manchester began with the civilian settlement associated with the Roman fort established circa 79 AD on a sandstone bluff near the confluence of the rivers Medlock and Irwell. Having been a manorial township throughout the Middle Ages, Manchester enjoyed rapid... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Edwardian Architecture Tour
A product of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is noted for its warehouses, railway viaducts, cotton mills, and canals, reflecting the most ambitious and exciting phase of the city's history.
During the reign of King Edward VII, which spanned from 1901 to 1910, Manchester experienced a significant boom in architectural development. This period saw a shift towards more ornate and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
During the reign of King Edward VII, which spanned from 1901 to 1910, Manchester experienced a significant boom in architectural development. This period saw a shift towards more ornate and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Top 10 Cafes and Sweet Shops in Manchester
Heading up Oldham Street from Picadilly Gardens you arrive at The Northern Quarter; the ‘cool’ part of Manchester, think Brooklyn, Shoreditch, Le Marais; trendy young things with fancy haircuts frequent the coffee houses, boutique and vintage shops during the day and the bars once night-time...