Co-operative Branch Store, Falmouth Street, Miles Platting

Early in 1905 the committee, having regard to the extensive cottage building in Hulme Hall Lane, thought it prudent to look out for a site in that neighbourhood. Inquiries were made by H. J. Upham, the president, and these resulted in the acquisition of a site of 556 square yards on payment of an annual chief rent of £12. 10s. The site was not transferred to the society until about eighteen months afterwards. Some of the members who had removed into that locality were very pressing in their desires for something to be done immediately, but it was not until April 20th, 1907, that the members were asked to approve of an expenditure of £1,500 on the erection of grocer's and butcher's shops. This work was also done by the building department, with the assistance of subcontractors for certain trades. The buildings, which are in striking contrast to their surroundings, were designed by A. H. Walsingham. They were opened on May 9th, 1908, by Enoch Greaves, the general manager, in the presence of a large number of people, many of whom were attracted by the most imposing " May Day " procession the society had ever arranged, and which had been timed to pass the branch just prior to the opening ceremony. After a speech from the president, Mr. Greaves was presented by the architect with a gold watch, suitably inscribed.

Reference           Failsworth Industrial Society Limited: Jubilee History, 1859-1909 by Ogden, J. H page 225

Site at corner of Hanbury Street and Falmouth Street off Hulme Hall Lane. site totally cleared.