Military barracks which served as World War Two detention centre has a new purpose

Ardwick Green Barracks has begun to leave its military past behind this past weekend.

The barracks were designed by Mancunian architect, Lawrence Booth, and were completed in 1886 becoming steeped in military history. During the First World War the barracks were home to the 8th battalion of the Manchester Regiment before they were called to the front to fight.

The barracks were given a new role in the Second World War becoming a detention centre for deserters, before the regiment returned home. It was in 1967 that the barracks became the headquarters for other successive regiments and companies, housed there from 1967 to 2018. The last was the 4th battalion of the Duke of Lancaster Regiment who utilised the barracks from 2006.

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It was in November of last year when the barracks were sold, and at the time nobody was aware of the plans for this iconic building. Selling agents hinted that it would be 'usefully employed' and now its new purpose has been revealed.

This past weekend, a church which aims to attract students and young professionals opened in the barracks with a service that attracted nearly two hundred people. The group celebrated the progress of refurbishing the building and the start of their 'ambitious plans' for the future of Fabric Church.

The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, said: “I am delighted that Fabric Church is now up and running, and serving the people who live in and around Manchester city centre. With the city centre population growing rapidly, our commitment is to having a witnessing and serving presence at the heart of each community.“

Part of the building has been refurbished to create a space