Iconic Victorian Landmark Reduced to Ruins
Manchester’s city centre witnessed a dramatic and devastating event on Monday when a massive blaze engulfed the historic Hotspur Press, one of the city’s oldest mill buildings. The Manchester fire led to the partial collapse of the Victorian structure on Cambridge Street, near Oxford Road Station, and triggered a major emergency response.
Residents reported seeing thick black smoke billowing into the sky as the flames rapidly consumed the former printing press. Smoke was visible from kilometres away, with ash reportedly falling “like snow” on nearby streets.
The Devastation. [Credit: Ernst ter Horst]
Evacuations and Emergency Response
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) declared a major incident shortly after 4:30pm. At the height of the blaze, the service deployed more than 20 fire engines, two aerial units, and over 100 firefighters. Crews battled the inferno through humid and challenging conditions late into the night.
The fire spread to adjacent buildings, forcing the evacuation of around 180 residents from nearby apartment blocks. While one building has since reopened, the other remains closed while safety assessments continue.
A nearby structure was affected by the Manchester fire at Hotspur House. [Credit: Kiyan Beasant]
The Manchester fire caused significant disruption to public transport. Authorities halted services through Manchester Oxford Road Station, and National Rail reported residual delays into Tuesday morning.
Locals React to Devastation
Long-time residents and historians mourned the loss of the historic structure. Jonathan Schofield, a local tour guide and writer, described it as “a shock.”
“I’ve walked past for years and years. I’ve guided it, talked about it and now it’s a shell,” Schofield said.
Local woman Georgie Docker, returning home during the blaze, described the terrifying scene: “You could see the blaze immediately and feel the heat. It was really scary, especially as the structure of the building gave way slightly.”
Another observer reported, “My voice is hoarse. There is ash falling from the sky.”
To combat the fire, 20 fire engines were required. [Credit: Ernst ter Horst]
History of the Hotspur Press
Known originally as Medlock Mill, the Hotspur Press dates back to the 1800s when it functioned as a cotton mill. It later transformed into a printing press in 1902 and continued operations until 1996. Since its closure, the building had fallen into a dilapidated state, despite being a landmark of Manchester’s industrial past.
The building sat amidst new high-rises, highlighting the stark contrast between the city’s heritage and rapid modernisation. Despite repeated failed attempts at redevelopment, London-based firm Manner secured planning approval last year to convert the site into a 37-storey student accommodation tower.
The developer had pledged to retain elements of the building’s heritage, but delays and design changes created setbacks. Manner had proposed a bronze finish for the tower, replacing the initially planned redbrick exterior. The fire now casts doubt over the future of the project.
In 1996, Hotspur Press—also called Medlock Mill—ceased operations as a printing press. [Credit: MattHarrop/Geograph]
Economic and Safety Implications
Manchester City Council had estimated the redevelopment would contribute £3.6 million to the local economy. However, the Manchester fire has raised significant safety concerns. City centre spokesperson Pat Karney acknowledged the danger, stating, “It’s incredibly dangerous to have fires in city centres. We’ll have to learn lessons.”
Council Leader Bev Craig confirmed that emergency services were supporting evacuated residents and urged locals to avoid the area while crews remain on site. “Those living nearby should continue to keep windows and doors shut to avoid smoke,” she said.
The fire also sparked concerns about asbestos exposure. Emergency crews advised the public to cover their mouths and avoid the area.
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Investigation and Next Steps
Firefighters have continued to monitor the smouldering remains of the building, with specialist teams now preparing to assess the cause of the blaze. Structural engineers will also determine whether any parts of the historic facade can be salvaged.
GMFRS emphasised the professionalism of their response, stating, “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.”
The Manchester fire has reignited debates around the preservation of historic buildings, especially those standing vacant or under redevelopment. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of heritage structures in urban centres.
Conclusion
The Hotspur Press blaze is not just a fire — it’s a loss of history, a disruption to daily life, and a wake-up call on urban development, fire safety, and heritage protection. As Manchester recovers from this blow, the community will look for answers and, hopefully, a way to commemorate and preserve the spirit of what was lost in the flames.
