Withington Workhouse and Hospital...

Now a luxury apartment complex, Withington hospital was once Europe's largest teaching hospital. Standing on Nell Lane in South Manchester it was originally built in 1855 as the Chorlton Barlow Moor Work House which accommodated up to 1,500 inmates. In 1864-66, with improved conditions, it was converted into a hospital for the poor. Changing name in 1910 to Withington Hospital, during the First World War in 1914 German prisoners of war were kept there. The site contains a number of Grade II listed buildings. During the 1990s it was constantly under threat of closure and its doors finally closed in 2002 following a restructure of local hospital services. A plan for redevelopment was actioned although this has been changed following as a result of the economic downturn. The Property developers were given a six-figure fine when judged responsible for a 'near catastrophic' gas explosion that culminated in the entire Grade 2 listed chapel and tower being rebuilt.