The former Joseph Wood & Sons Hat Factory on the corner of Hilton Street and Newton Street.  It was built for that purpose in 1907 by C. Clegg and Son.  The three storey high glazed "arcades" were designed to add maximum light into the building.  Today it is a backpacker's hostel called, appropriately, "Hatters".


The Lonley Planet web site says this about Hatters: "There's very little choice when it comes to budget accommodation in Manchester, but luckily Hatters has come along to blaze a trail. Located in one of the city's hippest developing districts it is setting standards for customer service along the way.  Set in a former hat-making factory this hostel retains some of its listed charm with a clanking old lift and original porcelain sinks. However, everything else about this place is ambitious and progressive. Although the dorms and private rooms are spartan, they're bright, clean and decked out with creak-free bunks and proper hotel-quality mattresses. The shower rooms are spacious and brand new, there's a games room with pool tables and bright sofas, plus free tea and toast all day long. The Hatters staff too, seem to be primed to go the extra (s)mile and have already won an award for customer service. Who ever heard of that in a backpacker hostel? With plans for an Internet cafe, bar and live music venue on-site this place can only get better. It's a whole new departure for Manchester."