Alterations and additions Volunteer Headquarters Burlington Street Manchester

Some important additions have been made during the last few months at the headquarters of the 4th Volunteer Battalion, Manchester Regiment (late 3rd Manchester Regiment) in Burlington-street and the inauguration of the new order of things took place, though informally, at the annual prize distribution last evening. The headquarters were opened exactly four years ago by the Earl of Ellesmere, who since 1875 has been the commandant of the regiment. The drill hall - a splendid structure some 165 feet long by 82 feet wide - was the main feature of the buildings. For drill purposes this was adequate to the wants of the regiment, but the accommodation of a social and general sort was insufficient. Such needs have been most amply met. Officers and men are in possession of every interior accommodation they can desire; while at the same time a new outward aspect has been given to the building. In place of the plain barrack exterior there is a handsome frontage with a battlemented parapet, agreeably broken with gables and crowning the whole, an ornate tower. These alterations have been carried out by Colonel Eaton, of the firm of John Eaton and Sons, architects, Ashton-under-Lyne. Under his superintendence the headquarters have received the adjuncts of convenience, comfort and outward adornment, which it may be expected will contribute much to the healthy well-being of the corps. The interior improvements may be shortly set forth. On the ground floor the additions include a men=s recreation and lecture room 30 feet by 20 feet; a band practice room 26 feet by 20 feet; and a canteen 20 feet by 13 feet 6 inches. The quartermaster=s storeroom and armoury have both been doubled in area, and a new caretaker=s house has been erected. On the first floor have been added an officers= room 29 feet by 20 feet; an officers= storeroom; a sergeants= room 35 feet by 20 feet; a sergeants= committee room, 14 feet by 13 feet 6 inches. Finally there is more room for the clerical work of the staff sergeants and an extra staircase to the sergeants= quarters has been provided.  .....   Report continues with details of the prize-giving, speeches etc. [Manchester Guardian Saturday 16 February 1889 page 3]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 23 June 1888 p4 - contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 16 February 1889 Page 3 with illustration

Now McDougall Sports Centre University of Manchester