3 days ago
Sections of Manchester's Hotspur Press building due to be demolished this weekend
Sections of Manchester's iconic Hotspur Press building are due to be demolished this weekend. The historic mill, believed to be among the oldest in Manchester city centre, was severely damaged when a huge blaze tore through the building on 23rd than 100 people were evacuated from buildings nearby, with smoke being visible for miles.
Following the fire, an order for emergency demolition work was put in place.
The Demolition is set to start on Saturday night into Sunday morning, to minimise disruption to the train line running past it.
Machines were in place as workers prepared to get started on Friday. A spokesperson for MCR Property Group, which own the building, was present at the site.
They said parts of the building have been safely removed as part of planned work. 'We've been instructed to carry out controlled work to make the site safe, that's our priority right now. Local shops have been informed, and police are on standby to make sure the area stays secure.'
Meanwhile, the fire has reignited debate over why the building was never listed.
Three heritage groups, including SAVE Britain's Heritage, have now submitted a Freedom of Information request, demanding answers after the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, rejected Historic England's recommendation to protect the site.
