Manchester was once home to a nightclub that played an iconic part in the city’s gay nightlife and music scene in the 1990s.
Paradise Factory opened on Princess Street in 1993 in the former Factory Records HQ which mentored Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays and more. Although the venue was a gay nightclub first and foremost, many straight people enjoyed partying there, with Paradise Factory attracting clubbers from all backgrounds who just wanted a great night.
Performance artist David Hoyle’s “The Divine David” act hosted Paradise Factory throughout the 1990s, and celebrities including Sue Pollard are said to have partied there. Many DJs performed at the Manchester club, including the Luvdup twins, Mark and Adrian, and electronic duo, The Chemical Brothers.
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As well as being a nightclub with two dancefloors and three bars, the “state-of-the-art” Paradise Factory also had a gallery and cinema. According to an article published in the Manchester Metro in April 1993, the building was bought by the owners of the Manto café bar on Canal Street who spent around £750,000 on refurbishing the venue.
Designer of Manchester’s Hacienda nightclub and music venue, Ben Kelly, was tasked with the challenge of transforming the building from Factory Records into Paradise Factory. Ben was asked to ensure the venue’s “stylish features” would remain.
Another article in the Manchester Metro from October 1993 explains how Paradise Factory would be open “until 4am” some nights. This prompted complaints from nearby residents, including students living in the nearby Western Hall residence.
The article states how the students weren’t happy having “nightclubbers on their doorstep” and blamed the Paradise Factory as the reason why they were “doing badly” in their studies. Despite noise complaints, clubbers enjoyed a decade of partying at the venue, before it was sold in 2006.
In our Greater Manchester history, memories and people Facebook page, Paul said: “Justin Robertson ran a great night there on Thursdays called Sleuth. Some top DJs including the Chemical Bros and the late, great Andrew Weatherall. Good times.”
What are your memories of Paradise Factory? Let us know in the comments section below.
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