A space age masterpiece brought back to life – renovation of iconic Daily Express building complete – Manchester Evening News

Eighty years after it was first built, Sir Owen Williams futuristic design remains ahead of its time

A vision of a bygone age but also a glimpse into the future - the Daily Express building remains one of Manchester's most iconic buildings.

First built in 1939, its facade of breathtaking curves, black glass and streamlined horizontal lines is often mistaken for a creation of the 21st century.

But this building has been around since before the Second World War and was originally home to printing presses.

The Daily Express ended production in Manchester in the late 1980s and ownership of the building exchanged several times.

Last year, real estate consultants OBI Property was given consent for a multi-million pound refurbishment of the 81,000 sq ft Grade II listed building on Great Ancoats Street.

The work is now complete and OBI invited the Manchester Evening News inside to take pictures of this stunning piece of architecture.

The six-storey building is set to be occupied by businesses from a wide range of sectors, including those in the creative, digital and tech scene.

Richard Lace, transactions and asset management at OBI, said: "Located in one of Manchesters most exciting districts, The Express Building is a Manchester landmark and were delighted the major restoration is now complete.

The intention was to create something timeless, that celebrates the art deco era of the original building design, using high quality materials throughout.

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A space age masterpiece brought back to life - renovation of iconic Daily Express building complete - Manchester Evening News