Manchester’s newest co-working space, Bonded Warehouse by All Work & Social, may just be the UK’s most culturally iconic office space.
Originally a customs centre servicing River Irwell and Liverpool Road Station, the site’s functional industrial history is still apparent, but what isn’t immediately apparent is the sheer volume of historic British shows and TV moments that the area has hosted.
For starters, the former production hub boasts the unique accolade of hosting the world’s first television appearance by The Beatles in 1962 and by the Sex Pistols in 1976.
As if that wasn’t quite enough, it’s also been the home of the world’s longest running soap opera, Coronation Street, for 53 years from 1960 to 2013. While the legacy of the Coronation Street set as an icon of popular UK history can be put alongside the triumphs of the industrial age in terms of its national influence, it doesn’t end there.
Other shows to have been produced at the former Granada Studios site include University Challenge, the Tonight Programme, You’ve Been Framed and old favourite Sooty & Co.
Today the site’s renovation intentionally nods to some of its historic legacy, but All Work & Social Managing Director Anthony Powell admits that people are always amazed to hear just how many iconic UK shows and notable TV moments happened just metres away from their desk. He commented: “We’ve tried to reflect the site’s unique past, championing Bonded’s industrial roots as well its treasure trove of pop culture history throughout the building.
“I like to think it inspires our current tenants, most of whom work in creative industries, to strive to create equally iconic cultural artefacts of their own. Bonded Warehouse has an amazing legacy, but there’s still history to be made here by the incredibly talented next generation that now occupy the space”.
As of February 2020, Bonded Warehouse is home to an innovative mix of businesses, ranging from radio stations to architectural studios, who can all take advantage of our 24/hr access, exciting event spaces and dedicated community managers. To give media professionals the edge, Bonded Warehouse is also huge production hub, offering six new digital studios, as well as professional audio and edit suites.
Aside from office spaces for SMEs, Bonded Warehouse also offers drop in spaces for solo workers, as well as incredible leisure facilities including a fitness suite and gin distillery.
