[NorthMancBeds]

I haven’t posted for a while and though this was a bit of a fail, it’s probably worth sharing. Someone mentioned to me last week about this block being unusual insofar as it had a common room and launderette on the top floor. I couldn’t resist a look, though I think when the tipster saw it, it had much more retro washing machines in-situ.

I can’t find much online about the block, not even the name of the architect, but it was known as ‘Perry’s Folly’ after a former Borough of Trafford engineer. The 25 storey block was constructed by Matthews and Mumby of Denton between 1965 and 1966 and officially opened in 1968.

I had no plans about access, but stumbled into a team of contractors almost finished on site with loads of subbies running about and just waltzed in and straight up. There was no obvious roof access other than the locked doors at the head of the stairwell and the door out to the washing line area. A couple of nice chaps were there installing a new vending machine in the common room and we had a short chat about social housing and why there are no towers built anymore. So, fail on the roof, but curiosity satisfied.


externals


view from the common room


launderette


view from launderette


tumble dryers


the drum and beetham tower


old trafford


washing line

peace
NMB