In this 1998 view the Royal
Mills in Ancoats stand empty and derelict. Some of the windows have
wooden inserts intended to protect the building from further
deterioration. On the upper floors the window panes are smashed and the
stone is still blackened by the grime from decades of pollution.
In 2005 work is well advanced on the renovation of the buildings. The
stone and brickwork has been cleaned, making them look almost as new. At
street level the exterior wall has been removed, and an underground car
park is under construction. Once a place of industry and daily toil,
these buildings will soon house luxury apartments as well as shops,
restaurants, bars and offices.
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