What Caused the Partial Collapse of the Building After the Major Fire?

Major Blaze in Manchester City Centre: What We Know

A significant fire has erupted in Manchester city centre, leading to the collapse of part of a historic building. This incident occurred at the old Hotspur Press printing works, located on Cambridge Street, close to the busy Manchester Oxford Road railway station. The fire broke out around 17:00 GMT, prompting a swift response from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).

Emergency Response and Safety Measures

The GMFRS has mobilized an extensive response team, deploying approximately 20 fire engines from various locations within Greater Manchester. As a precautionary measure, neighboring apartment buildings have been evacuated to ensure the safety of residents. The fire service has advised the public to avoid the area while they work to contain the blaze.

According to a spokesperson for the GMFRS, the fire has spread across three floors of the building. To combat the flames and prevent further spread, two aerial units have been deployed. The fire service has established a cordon around Cambridge Street, urging nearby residents to keep their doors and windows closed due to the presence of smoke in the vicinity.

Impact on Local Transportation

The fire has also had a significant impact on local transportation. National Rail has reported that all lines are currently blocked, leading to potential cancellations and delays for services running through Manchester Oxford Road station until at least 21:00 BST. Rail replacement buses have been organized for Northern customers to ensure that travel disruptions are minimized. Here are some of the key details regarding the transport situation:

• Rail replacement buses started running from Manchester Oxford Road at 18:20 BST and 18:25, making stops to Warrington Central.
• Buses will also depart from Warrington Central at the same times, stopping at all stops to Manchester Oxford Road.
• A bus will leave Manchester Oxford Road at 19:00, heading to Earlestown.
• TransPennine Express has arranged for rail replacement buses for various routes affected by the incident.
• East Midlands Railway has bus replacement services on standby at Warrington Central, Stockport, and Sheffield.

Passengers traveling from Liverpool Lime Street can use their tickets at no extra cost to travel on TransPennine Express services to Manchester Victoria. Additionally, customers at Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road are advised to utilize the free Transport for Greater Manchester bus link to Manchester Victoria to connect with other services toward Liverpool.

Historical Context of the Fire-Hit Building

The fire-affected building, known as Medlock Mill, has a rich history. It served as a printing site until its closure in 1996. Recently, the building was at the center of a redevelopment plan, with a developer receiving planning permission in May 2024 to transform it into a 36-storey student tower. However, the developer has redesigned its proposals, which will be submitted to Manchester City Council for approval.

Community Response and Future Implications

This incident raises concerns about fire safety in urban areas, especially in buildings with a historical background. Community members are understandably worried about the implications of such fires on their safety and property values. The city council's response to the fire and the subsequent development proposals will play a vital role in shaping the future of this area.

What’s Next for Manchester?

As the situation unfolds, residents and local businesses will be monitoring the efforts of the GMFRS and the potential impacts on the community. The fire's resolution will likely influence how quickly development plans can proceed and how the community can recover from this incident.

Conclusion

The fire at the old Hotspur Press printing works is a stark reminder of the risks associated with urban living and the importance of rapid emergency response. As investigations continue and recovery efforts are initiated, the community will undoubtedly come together to support those affected by the blaze. The historical significance of the building and the planned redevelopment raise questions about preservation, safety, and the future landscape of Manchester.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the fire at the Hotspur Press building?

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Fire services are working to determine how the blaze began and spread through the building.

How many people were evacuated due to the fire?

All residents of the neighboring apartment buildings at number 1 Cambridge Street were evacuated as a safety precaution.

What should residents do if they live nearby?

Residents are advised to keep their doors and windows closed to minimize smoke inhalation and to stay away from the fire-affected area.

Will train services be affected in the long term?

While services are currently disrupted, it is unclear how long the situation will affect train schedules. Passengers should check for updates from their train operators.

What are the future plans for the Medlock Mill site?

The site had received planning permission for redevelopment into a student tower, but new proposals will be submitted to the Manchester City Council for consideration following the fire.

As we witness the aftermath of this significant incident, it’s crucial to reflect on the importance of fire safety in urban settings. How can communities better prepare for such emergencies in the future? #ManchesterFire #UrbanSafety #CommunityResilience