Waterman’s hit factory back on the market
THE former Castlefield chapel that was once used by Stock, Aitken and Waterman as a recording studio has been refurbished and is up for let.
Manchester-based M20 Group has bought the site after it sat empty for several years.
It was previously owned by Bluetree Estates which went into administration in 2011. Now agent OBI is marketing the 12,000 sq ft building as office space.
The building is a former congregational chapel built in the 1850s by prominent Victorian architect Edward Walters. Stock, Aitken and Waterman used the basement as a studio where they recorded hits such as Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up.
Bluetree acquired the building from Waterman in 2006 and later signed up the PR and marketing firm Amaze as a tenant which later moved out in favour of First Street.
Peter Quinn M20 said: “The chapel is one of the most recognisable buildings in Manchester and we’re very pleased to bring it back into use. It’s in a one off location situated were you can sit at your desk while looking over historical Castlefield, then step outside and enjoy a BBQ on the decking or sunbathe on the grass next to the canal.”
Emma Powell, a surveyor at OBI, said: “The chapel would make a great headquarters for any business locating into Manchester, and we’ve already received several positive enquiries about the space.”
OBI is the joint agent with Matthews & Goodman.
