Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) has placed the Hollings Building on the market as part of an ongoing strategy to consolidate its campuses. No guide price has been given for the Wilmslow Road property – which is widely known as the Toast Rack due to its distinctive shape – but agent DTZ expects interest from a wide range of bidders.
Today the word ‘iconic’ is used too frequently when discussing buildings which are simply well known. Along with ‘vibrant space’ it has become a term applied to any number of middling to mediocre schemes by developers seeking planning approval and eager to attract tenants.
But in the case of the Toast Rack the word can be used in its true sense – in that it embodies the ideals that characterised post-war architecture in the UK. These ideals were born out of a combination of necessity and positivity. Firstly, the need to rebuild our bomb damaged cities and, secondly, the optimism generated by technological advances and the birth of the space age.
The buildings that make up MMU’s Hollings campus were designed by city architect Leonard Cecil Howitt who was also responsible for the renovation of the Free Trade Hall, which was partially destroyed during the Manchester Blitz of December 1940.
The Toast Rack’s bold, tapering form, together with the parabolic concrete arches which earned it its popular moniker, was not universally acclaimed when it opened in 1960. But there were also those who recognised it as one of the best designs of the era. Among them was the distinguished architecture critic, Nikolaus Pevsner, who described Howitt’s building as “a perfect piece of pop architecture.”
It has since become one of Manchester’s most popular landmarks, described by English Heritage as “a distinctive and memorable building which demonstrates this architect’s love of structural gymnastics in a dramatic way.” In recognition of this, the body awarded the Toast Rack Grade II listed status in 1998.
The university’s streamlining of it’s campuses has left a number of properties surplus to requirements. The last lectures took place in the Toast Rack’s classrooms last June, leading to speculation about the building’s future, but DTZ is confident it will attract a buyer.
“We anticipate interest from a broad range of developers, investors and occupiers,” said director Chris Lloyd.
“The site has the potential for conversion to residential, education and commercial uses. The Toast Rack is one of Manchester’s most recognisable buildings and we believe this will appeal to prospective purchasers looking to create a distinctive scheme with a premium value.”
Previous Post
Male Grooming Boom boosts High Street Economy
