One of Manchester’s historic mills lies in ruins this morning after a devastating fire yesterday
The blaze continues to burn this morning over fourteen hours since it broke out with fire crews urging the public to stay away from the area
Hotspur Press built in 1801 represented the early evolution of mill technology in Manchester where the cotton industry drove the city’s growth and development – and in turn powered the UK’s Industrial Revolution.
It has been the subject of a recent controversy with the building is set to be converted to become a 595-bedroom student block as part of a 37-storey tower along with commercial units, and a 10,000 sq ft public square.
Now those plans lie in ruins
Commenting on the fire Bev Craig, Manchester Council leader said
Leader of the Council Bev Craig reacts to the major fire incident at the former mill building this evening.
Cllr Craig said:
“We’ve been working closely with emergency response colleagues this evening following the major fire incident at the Hotspur Press building. Evacuated residents are now being supported at a nearby rest centre.
“A cordon remains around Cambridge Street along with local road closures, and we thank people for taking fire service advice to avoid the area while crews continue to work at the site. Those living nearby should also continue to keep windows and doors shut to avoid smoke.
“A final thank you to the city’s emergency personnel for their ongoing efforts tonight, acting quickly to keep the fire under control and keeping our residents safe.”
Despite some later 19th-century alterations, many original features, like the 1801 five-sided fireproof stair tower on the spinning block’s northwestern facade, remained
There had been much controversy over the planned conversion with changes forced on the developer said to have increased the costs by around £3.5 million
This morning Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue issued the following statement
spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Yesterday afternoon (Monday 23 June) at around 4:30pm, firefighters were called to a major fire at the site of the Hotspur Press building on Cambridge Street in Manchester city centre. This was declared a major incident.
“Firefighters have been working hard overnight to extinguish the fire. At the height of the blaze, over 20 fire engines, two aerial units and over 100 firefighters were working at the scene in warm and humid conditions.
“The fire spread to several balconies at the two tower blocks at number 1 Cambridge Street, and we took the decision to evacuate all residents. Firefighters worked tirelessly to ensure all occupants made it out of the buildings safely and there are no reports of any occupants suffering ill health.
“Shortly after 9pm, the major incident was lifted. The occupants of one of those blocks have now been able to return home, while the other remains closed as we work with Manchester City Council and the building owner to make the building habitable again.
“Oxford Road station and the railway line have now reopened. Crews are still working on Gloucester St and the main area around the mill, but the main roads of Whitworth St and access off the Mancunian Way have reopened.
“Crews will be joined by specialist fire officers later this morning to begin investigating the cause of the fire, as well as assessing the extent of the structural damage to the building.
“We’d like to thank the public for allowing us to get on with the job last night under very challenging conditions.”
There has been no statement as yet from the developer Manners
