The Hotspur Press building, one of Manchester’s oldest mill buildings, has been destroyed by a fire, leading to its partial collapse.
The fire was tackled by 20 fire engines and highlights the importance of risk managing vacant properties and how assessments should be reviewed in times of extreme heat.
Greater Manchester fire service reported the fire spread to two neighbouring apartment buildings, which were evacuated while trains were cancelled travelling through Manchester Oxford Road station.
Opened in the 1800s on the banks of the River Medlock, the building started life as a cotton mill, known as Medlock Mill and it had been earmarked for a major development scheme.
After years of failed attempts to redevelop the site, London-based developer Manner took on the building in 2020, and began working on new plans. But the scheme was delayed after Manner twice changed its designs, and earlier this month said it was planning to submit fresh proposals to the council.
Last May, the firm was given planning permission from Manchester City Council to turn the building into a 37 storey, 595 bed block of student flats.
The Victorian structure had fallen into a dilapidated state since the printing press closed down in 1996 and stood in contrast with some of the modern city blocks surrounding it.
Unoccupied properties are particularly prone to malicious damage and arson with over 9,000 fires reported every year. If the condition of the buildings is allowed to deteriorate there is also an increased risk of personal injury to both authorised and unauthorised visitors or members of the public
When dealing with an unoccupied building, a risk assessment should be undertaken to assess the risks and adequacy of existing precautions taken and they comply with health and safety legislation and regulations.
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