January 2017
The Visit
Explored with @stranton and @coolboyslim, the Refuge Assurance Building in Manchester is undeniably a remarkable architectural masterpiece. A simple Google search unveils the sheer magnificence exuding from every corner of this structure. Throughout our two visits, we ventured into the exclusive staff-only sections, such as the clocktower, basement, and service tunnels, leaving no stone unturned.
The History
The Grade II* listed red brick and terracotta building, originally designed for the Refuge Assurance Company, underwent several phases of expansion and transformation. Constructed between 1891 and 1895, the building boasted a stunning interior adorned with Burmantofts faience and glazed brick. Its ground floor housed a grand open business hall, while a towering 66-meter tall tower was added along Oxford Street in 1910-1912 by Alfred Waterhouse's son, Paul Waterhouse. Later, in 1932, Stanley Birkett extended the building along Whitworth Street.
Interestingly, what is now the ballroom used to serve as the dining hall for employees. During those times, strict gender segregation was enforced, with men and women required to sit separately. At its peak, the building accommodated around 2,000 staff members, and women had to reapply for their jobs if they got married. Certain areas of the building were designated exclusively for men. Surprisingly, the basement ballroom was transformed into a dance hall where workers could enjoy a lively dance during their lunch breaks.
After serving as offices for almost a century, the Refuge Assurance Company relocated to Fulshaw Hall in Cheshire on November 6, 1987. Prior to their departure, there were discussions about converting the building into a new home for the Hallé Orchestra. Sir Bob Scott, a prominent cultural patron in Manchester, had been involved in these talks for over a year. Unfortunately, the necessary £3 million funding for the project never materialised, leading the Hallé Orchestra to eventually move to the newly opened Bridgewater Hall in 1996. This left the once prestigious and expensive building in a state of abandonment, occupied only by a caretaker and the ghost said to haunt its staircase, as noted by local architecture critic John Parkinson-Bailey.
Richard Newman transformed the colossal structure into a luxurious hotel in 1996, investing a staggering £7 million. The hotel, known as Palace Hotel, was then owned and operated by the esteemed Principal Hotel Company. However, in 2001, Principal Hotels was acquired by Nomura International Plc, leading to a rebranding of the hotel as Le Méridien Palace, Manchester.
Following financial challenges faced by Le Méridien Hotels, the hotel was repurchased by a reconstituted Principal Hotels in 2004 and once again renamed as the Palace Hotel. However, Principal Hotels made a strategic decision to unify their hotels under their corporate name, resulting in the hotel being rechristened as The Principal Manchester in November 2016.
During the conversion process, an exquisite glass dome was acquired from a Scottish railway station and now graces the reception area, adding a touch of elegance to the hotel.
In May 2018, the InterContinental Hotels Group acquired the hotel, and it was soon announced that it would be rebranded as the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, aligning with the renowned Kimpton Hotels brand within the InterContinental Hotels Group. Unfortunately, the hotel had to temporarily close its doors due to the unforeseen circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, delaying the renaming process. However, on 1 October 2020, the hotel proudly reopened under its new identity as the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, welcoming guests with its exceptional hospitality and charm.
The Clocktower
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Basement
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Stage Area/ Service Tunnels
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Basement
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Stage Area/ Service Tunnels
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Cheers for looking 
Canon EOS 70D, 10-18mm EFS
Canon EOS 70D, 10-18mm EFS
