The city is synonymous for its canals, railway viaducts, cotton mills and warehouses which were used to store or house goods before or after transit.
As a result of the Industrial Revolution, the city amassed a wide array of warehouses dating from before the Victorian era (1837–1901) to the end of the Edwardian (1910).
The city has examples of six main warehouse types: display of goods, overseas, packing, shipping, railway and canal warehouses.
Described as "Scottish Baronial" style by English Heritage.
Rectangular plan on end-of-block site, with curved corners, and loading bay to rear.