Finlay’s Warehouse is a Grade II listed warehouse built in two phases (between 1870 & 1892). The name derives from the original company name, Finlay Campbell and Co Ltd, who were a Scottish firm operating from Manchester and India. Like many of the buildings in this area of Manchester, originally they were used as warehouses for shipping and the clothing industry.
The large entrance on Mangle Street, known as the hovel was created to allow deliveries directly into the building rather than blocking the street.
The industry in the area declined in the mid 20th century, leaving many of these formidable buildings neglected. 56 Dale Street received a new lease of life in 1975 went it became the famous Foo Foo’s Palace night club for over 25 years.
Despite being used more recently by BBC’s Life on Mars and the Sherlock Holmes movie, it has become a forgotten gem, simply walked passed and ignored by 100’s of people every day. In 2015 developers converted it to 28 one, two and three bedroom apartments. Original features such as exposed brick, sash windows and iron columns were retained where possible throughout the apartments.
