Duckworth's Essence Factory, Old Trafford

The Essence Factory in Old Trafford was completed in 1896 for Duckworth and Co to the design of architects Briggs and Wostenholme of Blackburn. The frontage comprised offices with the manufacturing and warehousing to the rear. After the Duckworth Group was taken over by Cargill in 2003 the premises were soon redundant and became empty by 2007. The Grade II listed building has been publicised for a number of years as a probable base for the Church of Scientology but it currently stands vacant. The terracotta is of high quality and was probably manufactured by Dennis of Ruabon who certainly made the bricks used at the front.