Simon Building

Simon Building. The Simon Building is a prominent Edwardian Baroque structure located on the Oxford Road corridor in Manchester, England. Designed by the noted architect Percy Scott Worthington, it was completed in 1908 and originally housed the Manchester Municipal College of Technology. The building is a significant part of the architectural and academic heritage of the city, now forming a key component of the University of Manchester's extensive campus.

History

The building's construction was financed by a generous donation from Sir William Henry Simon, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist with deep connections to the chemical industry in Manchester. It was conceived as a major expansion for the Manchester Municipal College of Technology, an institution that evolved from the pioneering Mechanics' Institute movement. Upon its opening, it significantly advanced the provision of higher education in applied science and engineering within the city. For many decades, it served as a central hub for the Faculty of Technology, which later became the nucleus of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). Following the 2004 merger between UMIST and the Victoria University of Manchester, the building was fully integrated into the estate of the newly formed University of Manchester.

Architecture

Designed by Percy Scott Worthington, a key figure in the Manchester School of architecture, the building is a prime example of Edwardian Baroque grandeur. The facade is constructed from robust Portland stone and features a pronounced central bay with a grand portico supported by Ionic columns. This imposing entrance is topped by a substantial broken pediment containing a carved coat of arms. The symmetrical design includes multiple storeys of large sash windows and pronounced rustication at the ground level, conveying both solidity and prestige. The architectural intent was to project the importance of technical education and mirror the civic confidence of Manchester during the Edwardian era, drawing inspiration from the monumental Whitehall buildings in London.

Current use

Today, the Simon Building is an integral part of the University of Manchester's Faculty of Science and Engineering. It primarily houses the administrative offices and academic staff of the Department of Chemistry, one of the university's largest and most historic departments. The building contains numerous research laboratories, teaching laboratories, and specialist facilities supporting cutting-edge work in areas like materials science and chemical engineering. It also provides essential seminar rooms and lecture theatres for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. Its central location on the main university campus makes it a busy hub for students, researchers, and academic staff engaged in the STEM disciplines.

Notable features

The building's interior retains several original features of note, including a majestic entrance hall with a sweeping stone staircase and detailed plasterwork ceilings. A prominent stained-glass window commemorating Sir William Henry Simon dominates the main stairwell, depicting allegorical figures representing Industry and Science. The building also contains the historic Schorlemmer Laboratory, named for the renowned German chemist Carl Schorlemmer, which is preserved as a site of historical significance in the development of organic chemistry in Britain. Its enduring Edwardian character provides a striking contrast to the modern research facilities housed within its walls.

Location and access

The Simon Building is situated on the west side of Oxford Road, one of Europe's busiest bus routes, in the heart of the University of Manchester's Oxford Road Campus. It is directly opposite the Manchester Royal Infirmary and in close proximity to other major university buildings such as the Alan Turing Building and the University Place. The site is well-served by public transport, including frequent bus services and the Manchester Oxford Road railway station, which is a short walk away. The building is also within easy walking distance of the cultural institutions of Manchester City Centre, including the Manchester Museum and the Whitworth Art Gallery.

Category:University of Manchester buildings Category:Buildings and structures in Manchester Category:Edwardian architecture in England