One of Manchester’s most historic buildings has been left just a smouldering pile of bricks after a huge blaze on Monday was declared a city centre major incident. The derelict Hotspur Press building, near Oxford Road station, burst into flames on Monday afternoon with thick smoke clouds seen for miles across Greater Manchester.
At one stage 20 fire engines, two aerial units and over 100 firefighters were working to tackling the inferno and stop it spreading to two nearby tower blocks – with around 180 residents from them evacuated. The structure – built in the early 1800s – 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. However, despite various delays, it had been earmarked for a major development scheme.
Now shocking images as fire crews leave the scene show little is left if the iconic, old Victorian mill that had only recently been at the centre of a battle over whether it should be a listed building.
On Tuesday, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service revealed for the first time that a major incident had been declared the previous evening as it incident spread to several balconies on the two adjacent towers.
They said: “Yesterday afternoon 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.”
All residents in the two neighbouring blocks were evacuated on Monday night, with 180 displaced and 27 staying in hotels overnight. The occupants of one of those blocks have now been able to return home.
Opened in the 1801 on the banks of the River Medlock, the building started life as a cotton mill, known as Medlock Mill – later repurposed as a printing press in 1902, and remained in business for 94 years.
After years of failed attempts to redevelop the site, London-based developer Manner took on the building in 2020, and in May 2024 were given planning permission to turn the building into a 37 storey, 595 bed block of student flats.
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.
The firm had vowed to “draw on the historical roots of the site” for the project, which would have involved some of the original building being demolished.
While the original application for planning permission was granted, it attracted opposition from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) over the lack of affordable units.
It also faced opposition from campaigners wanting Historic England to list the building.
The proposed student tower was initially intended to be clad in redbrick panels, but that was changed earlier this year to be anodised metal, appearing to be grey-silver.
Manner had since revised its plans for the building to include a bronze finish on the exterior.
The firm denied the change was related to its profit margins, with Manner boss Richard James saying in June that the firm “wanted to listen and take on board feedback”.
But now new images show much of the building has been ravaged by the flames with part of the structure appearing to have collapsed.
Lines were also blocked throughout the night at Oxford Road station after smoke and flames billowed onto the tracks with all passengers evacuated.
The UK Health Security Agency confirmed the air was safe to breathe. Specialist air quality equipment was used.
The campaign group pushing to secure listed status for Hotspur Press, also known as Medlock Mill, says it is ‘appalled’ by news of the fire. The Georgian Group says it had been working to protect the building for 12 months.
A spokesperson said: “The Georgian Group is deeply shocked and appalled by this morning’s news that Medlock Mill in Manchester (likely the city’s earliest surviving textile mill) suffered a catastrophic fire overnight.
“Thankfully we understand nobody was hurt in the fire. We are working to establish the extent and impact of the damage sustained and the next steps for the building.
“The Group has been engaged with Medlock Mill for the last 12 months, leading efforts to protect this important but vulnerable building by getting it listed.
“Following a setback in January in which the Secretary of State went against Historic England’s recommendation to list the historic core of the building at Grade II, we submitted a Listing Review Request to DCMS in February.
“We were anxiously awaiting the outcome of the review.”
Locals have expressed their shock at dismay at the fire and devastating damage, with writer and Manchester tour guide Jonathan Schofield admitting: “It’s a shock. I’ve walked past for years and years.
“I’ve guided it, talked about it and now it’s a shell. For this to go up in such a dramatic way, it is a shame.”
Pat Karney, the city council’s city centre manager, said the building was “a piece of Manchester” and “a very famous building”.
“It’s incredibly dangerous to have fires in city centres. We’ll have to learn lessons. You can’t ignore the dangers. The buildings are too close to each other.”