A Manchester hotel which served an early industrial estate and later a host of football fans has been added to a buildings at risk register
The ornate and wonderfully detailed, grade II listed Trafford Park Hotel opened in 1902.
It was built to serve the workers of the newly created Trafford Park, an industrial area with over 500 houses, laid out in a grid pattern.
It stands about one mile east of Manchester United’s Old Trafford Football Stadium and was a popular stopping off point for fans for both refreshment – and relief.
Many of the hotel’s original fittings are still in place, including a grand staircase, the extra-long urinals that were built in the basement to accommodate supporters on matchdays have been removed.
Save Britain’s Heritage say that:
“This wonderful building is in poor condition after having been squatted and passed through different ownerships. It needs a new use.”
Liz Fuller, SAVE’s Buildings at Risk officer, said: “If you want to be transported to different locations and different moments in our history, dipping into this list of buildings we are adding to our Buildings at Risk register is the ticket that you need. While the variety of fascinating structures is inspiring, it is shocking that they are at risk at all. The new entries serve as an urgent reminder that these historic buildings are a resource which, if restored and reused, have the potential to deliver huge benefits to their communities through their character, shared history and their return to use.”
The hotel is not the first Bly building deemed at risk in Trafford
Basford House, Stretford Memorial Hospital was built between 1850-1860 as a large, private residence in generous grounds.
It was leant to the Red Cross in WWI and stayed in hospital use until 2015. Andy Gibb, the younger brother of the Gibbs of Bee Gees fame, was born in the hospital in 1958. Unlisted, development is proposed but has not started.
Trafford Press on Chester Road, Stretford
was between 1908-1922, this striking building features red and orange brick with decorative details.
Known as Trafford Press, it was damaged by fire in 2021. Acquired for redevelopment in 2023, its future includes potential restoration but no work has commenced.
The Veno Building on Chester was built between 1922-1938 and used Neo-classical and Art Deco features to dramatic effect.
It was part of the Co-operative Press and is now part of the Orchid Point redevelopment site but is still standing derelict and disused.
The Empress Mill, also in Stretford
was between 1903-1909,
The Mill is a four- storey red brick building with geometric detailing. Converted to apartments in 2013, it closed in 2018. Recently acquired for redevelopment,
Essoldo Cinema, also on Chester Road, Stretford
It was built in 1936 as Longford Cinema, this Grade II listed building features a dramatic curving roofline designed to look like a cash register – a reflection of the architect’s view of the film industry.
Once a cinema and bingo hall, it has been closed since 1997. Rumours of it reopening remain ongoing
