On the end of a cobbled road in the heart of Castlefield lies an grand, yet unassuming three-storey house. While many may be unaware of its historical relevance to the city, the green-door building is now being opened up for people to discover its past in a remarkably unique way.
With a history stemming back to 1808, The Station Agent’s House on the corner of Liverpool Road and Water Street was built at the dawn of the Railway Age. Situated within the site of the Science and Industry Museum, and where Manchester terminus Liverpool Road Station was once located, it was - at its heyday - a hub of activity.
Originally built for John Rothwell, a partner in the then popular Rothwell & Harrison dyeworks, the building would go on to play an important role in Manchester’s first station when it opened a few years later in 1830.
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Situated directly in front of the terminus for the Liverpool Road Station, which connected Manchester to Liverpool, the building became a residency for the stationmaster and would also be where people bought their tickets for train journeys.
Since then, the building - which is on the site of the Science and Industry Museum - has had many a repurpose being used as everything from a car parts dealership to even a sausage shop. After the railway line was closed in 1975, the house was altered again into office use for the museum.
Now, 100 years after it was last used as a residency, the Grade I-listed has been given another new lease of life thanks to a multi-million pound restoration project by the Landmark Trust (LT).
The Science and Industry Museum has partnered with the charity, which has already helped restore historical buildings including Kingswear Castle in Devon and Brinkburn Mill in Northumberland, to transform into a self-catering holiday accommodation for up to eight people.
The restoration, which has taken 12 months to complete, has seen the building receive extensive external repair work, including re-roofing and repointing the original brickwork with traditional lime mortar. The plaster has also been replaced with sheep’s wool insulation and lime plaster with added cork for improved thermal insulation, whilst the 1980s single-glazed sash windows have been replaced with new bespoke double-glazed sash frames.
Elsewhere, the previous chipboard floors have been replaced with parquet flooring, whilst a new specially-made oval skylight compliments the original staircase. The property has also been made more accessible, with step-free access and a lift to the first floor living area.
Paying homage to its historical roots over the years, the art deco furnishings add a touch of the 1930s jazz age with railway station-style tiling and memorabilia, signs and artwork. The design of the property adds a juxtaposition between the Railway Age and the modern city today with unrivalled views of the nearby Deansgate Station and next door neighbour Aviva Studios.
Featuring four bedrooms - two double and two twins - as well as four bathrooms, the large property is bound to become one of the most unique places to stay in the city. Encouraging guests to unwind and spend quality time together, there is also a library room and a living room with grand seating.
Offering guests a minimum of a three-night stay for eight people, the cost of a break starting from £24.38 per person per night. Bookings are now available from the end of June.
The transformation of the property was made possible thanks to donations from the trust’s patrons and supporters. Speaking about the restoration project, Dr Anna Keay OBE, director of the Landmark Trust, said: “‘The Landmark Trust is proud to be able to give a new future to this grade-1 listed building, part of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station.
“Its extensive repair and renovation has been a labour of love, made possible by many generous donations. It is our first building in Manchester and will make a wonderful base from which to explore this peerless industrial city.”
The project arrives as the Science and Industry Museum continues on its own long-term, multi-million-pound restoration programme. Set to be complete by 2030, the project will see a reopening of the Power Hall, the launch of a new STEM Learning hub, and essential repairs to the museum's New Warehouse's roof, gutters, windows and masonry to improve thermal efficiency.
Sally McDonald, Director of the Science and Industry Museum, adds: “The Landmark Trust has brought expertise in sensitively restoring this incredible heritage building, meaning Station Agent’s House can now be experienced in a new way by the public. It’s a spectacular transformation that has breathed new life into the building while complimenting its historically significant status.
“It’s an exciting time at the Science and Industry Museum as we undergo a multi-million-pound repair and improvement project with the aim of bringing into use every part of our historic site. This includes the reopening of Power Hall next spring, as well as new galleries, the re-opening of the 1830 Station and outdoor experiences in the coming years.
“We are so pleased that Station Agent’s House has become the latest regenerated space thanks to The Landmark Trust, who are supporting our vision to create a more sustainable museum and reveal new spaces and perspectives for everyone to enjoy.”
Details on booking The Station Agent's House can be found here.
