Latest news with #HotspurPress
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Petition launched to rebuild Hotspur Press 'in its original form' after devastating fire
A petition has been launched calling for Hotspur Press to be rebuilt 'in its original form' following a 'horrific' fire partially destroyed the mill. A blaze ripped through the Victorian building, which fell into dereliction after closing as a printing press in 1996, at 4:30pm on Monday (June 23). The inferno spread to balconies on nearby blocks of flats, and its smoke stopped railway services to and from Oxford Road station. On Wednesday (June 25), the fire service said crews were still dowsing the blaze and confirmed the mill will now need to be partially demolished. READ MORE: Teenager disappears after boarding flight at Manchester Airport READ MORE: The Greater Manchester streets where more people claim PIP than anywhere else Now, a petition has been created calling on Manchester council and developers for it to be rebuilt 'in its original form'. It said: 'We call on Manchester City Council and all relevant developers to commit to rebuilding the Hotspur Press — faithfully and fully — in its original form. 'The recent fire has robbed Manchester of one of its most iconic and historic buildings, a cornerstone of the city's skyline and industrial heritage. Hotspur Press was not just bricks and mortar — it was a living reminder of the city's printing legacy, a symbol of Manchester's character and soul. 'What we don't need is another anonymous block of luxury flats that serve investors over residents. We are tired of seeing our history erased for profit. We demand that what is rebuilt reflects the identity, memory, and voice of the people who actually live here.' The petition also calls for 'a city-wide commitment to protect Manchester's architectural heritage before more of it is lost forever'. Developers Manner had planning permission to retain Hotspur Press' facade and iconic Percy Brothers signage, and build a 36-storey student tower on the site. Despite planning permission being given in May 2024, the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands work never started due to delays in a battle to list the building, which was initially rejected and then appealed, and Manner opting to change the cladding material on the tower from brick to bronze. Last night, a Manner spokesperson said the firm was 'truly heartbroken' about the blaze: "Like all of Manchester, it was truly heartbreaking for us to watch the horrific fire spread through The Hotspur Press on Monday. 'Over the last two years we have worked conscientiously to develop a plan for the regeneration of The Hotspur Press that would celebrate its rich history and heritage. We are absolutely devastated to see the extent of the damage that has been caused, and it is incredibly hard to come to terms with what is now left of this important building. "Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected, and we thank the fire crews who have worked tirelessly at the scene to bring the fire under control. 'We are now assisting the emergency services with the investigation to understand the cause of the fire and will continue to liaise closely with Manchester City Council and local residents in this part of the city." On Monday night, as the fire was being fought, council leader Bev Craig said: '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." Manner and Manchester council have been contacted for comment.
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Fire-ravaged former Manchester mill to be partially demolished
Parts of a derelict former mill that was ravaged in a fire earlier this week will be Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said the burnt-out remains of the 225-year-old Hotspur Press building in Manchester city centre would have to been taken down. The Georgian-era building was destroyed in Monday evening's blaze which also forced the evacuation of neighbouring buildings and brought trains to a standstill.A GMFRS spokesman said a partial demolition was needed to help firefighters and investigators safely access parts of the site. Firefighters are continuing to work at the scene on Cambridge Street to "bring the fire to a safe conclusion", the spokesman was pumped on to the charred remains of the building earlier to dampen down any hotspots. The roof of the former mill and printing press, thought to be one of Manchester's oldest buildings, has collapsed, along with other parts of the structure. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Hotspur Press to be partially demolished after historic mill was gutted by blaze
The Hotspur Press building is now going to be partially demolished after a horror blaze gutted the mill, the fire service has announced. Opened in 1801 and one of Manchester's oldest mills, the site began to crumble on Monday night (June 23) after a huge fire broke out at around 4.30pm. Crews spent overnight tackling the fire, with cordons put in place across city centre streets and nearby residents in blocks of flats evacuated as a safety precaution, with the flames spreading to nearby balconies. READ MORE: Teenager disappears after boarding flight at Manchester Airport READ MORE: Parents slam primary school for 'upsetting children with no good reason' Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE Harrowing images showed how the former mill, which had lain derelict for decades, was left a scorched shell once the blaze had been put out, with the walls and ceiling collapsing. The disaster also caused streets to fill up with smoke and a major incident to be declared by emergency services for a number of hours on Monday evening. More than 100 firefighters raced to the scene. It's understood that work to establish the cause of the fire is yet to begin internally due to the current state the building has been left in after it was ravaged. Part of the site will now be demolished for excavation to take place in otherwise inaccessible areas, and for enquiries to be made from the inside. In an update, a spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: 'Firefighters continue to work hard to bring the fire at Hotspur Press to a safe conclusion. "Alongside Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police and partners, a decision has now been made to partially demolish the Hotspur Press building over the coming days. 'This is to enable safe firefighting and excavation in areas that are currently inaccessible, mitigating any risk to life. This will also allow safe internal investigations to begin.' --- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@ or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Manchester fire: Evacuated students worry over rising hotel bills
Worried students who were evacuated from their city-centre apartments following a huge fire at a neighbouring building said they still did not know when they will be allowed to of two blocks were told to leave their flats on Monday after the disused Hotspur Press building in Manchester city centre was engulfed in Guo, a student from China, said he could not afford to stay in a hotel for very long, adding: "We're unsure where we're going next because the price is rising."Manchester City Council said it was trying to help but pointed out it did not have any statutory responsibility to rehome people living in privately rented accommodation. 'Very challenging' The authority said the responsibility lay with the building's manager and others.A council spokesperson said it was liaising with them to ensure they are meeting their responsibilities to Guo said the council "helped us through this very challenging situation and we appreciate that. We're unsure what will happen next."Hotspur House, a 225-year-old former printing press and mill on Cambridge Street, close to Manchester Oxford Road railway station, partially collapsed following the building was destroyed after strong winds whipped up the flames, causing the blaze to spread rapidly throughout the building's wooden internal firefighters battled to get the blaze under control, embers reached 1 Cambridge Street, resulting in the blocks' evacuation. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Police issue update after shot fired at group of men on Salford street
Police have issued an update following a 'shooting' on a Salford street. Officers scrambled to Littleton Road, in Kersal, following reports of a shot being fired towards a group of men shortly before 3pm last Friday (June 20). Greater Manchester Police said a group of men were believed to have approached the men on Suron bikes 'at speed' before a firearm was discharged in the other group's direction. READ MORE: Manchester fire LIVE: Crews still tackling Hotspur Press blaze with new statement issued - updates READ MORE: LIVE: Major Manchester road CLOSED as superstore cordoned off after fire - latest updates Two men, aged 24 and 36, were both arrested in connection with the incident on Friday. A third man, aged 23, was later arrested over the weekend. In an update issued today (June 24), GMP confirmed that all three suspects have now been bailed pending further enquiries. Armed police were seen in attendance at locations across Greater Manchester after the initial incident was reported. Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE Officers were seen near Agecroft Cemetery, on Manchester Road in Walkden and in Cheadle. Special operations police worked in the Kersal area over the weekend following the incident. Anyone with information about the Littleton Road incident is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 2184 of June 20, 2025. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. --- For the latest stories and breaking news visit Get the latest headlines, features and analysis that matter to you by signing up to our various Manchester Evening News newsletters here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to stay up to date with the latest. Follow us on X @mennewsdesk for all the latest stories and updates on breaking incidents from across the region and beyond, as well as on our Facebook page here. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our newsdesk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it.
