Building Name

Birley Street Higher Grade Board School (School No 16)

Date
1883 - 1885
District/Town
No 16)
County/Country
GMCA, England
Client
Manchester School Board
Work
New Build
Contractor
L Ward

THE DEVON STREET SCHOOL DESIGNS – The minutes of the Sites Committee contained a report on the Devon Street school designs. The committee recommended that the commission for the schools be given to Messrs Potts Pickup and Dixon, architects off this city and Oldham, and that the premiums be awarded as follows:  first, Henry Lord; second, Royle and Bennett; third J W Beaumont. [Manchester Guardian 30 October 1883 page 7]

NEW BOARD SCHOOL IN BESWICK – A memorial stone of a new Board School for the district of Beswick was laid on Saturday by Dr John Watts. The school is situated in Devon Street, and is to be used by boys, girls and infants. The building, according to the plans, will be two storeys high, and will contain accommodation for 1,100 scholars. The basement will be used as a playground. Four large schoolrooms will be provided, and twelve commodious class-rooms, and premises will also be made for a caretaker. The building will be of brick with stone dressings. The style of architecture adopted is the Gothic. The school is being erected by Mr J L Ward from plans by Messrs Potts, Pickup and Dixon. The total cost, including the site and furnishings is expected to be about £11,500. This was the 16th school erected by the Manchester School Board. {Manchester Guardian21 July 1884 Page 6]

Site bounded by Birley Street, Devon Street and Hillkirk Street.Memorial stone laid 19 July 1884; Opened 27 April 1885.

Reference    Manchester Guardian 30 October 1883 page 7
Reference    Manchester Guardian 21 July 1884 page 6
Reference    Samantha Barnes page 75