A major fire is considered the oldest mill in Manchester, forcing dozens of nearby residents to vacate.
Hotspur Press Building near Manchester Oxford Road railway station set fire to 4.30 pm on Monday evening. Fire services said that the flames surrounded the three floors.
A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Services (GMFRS) said that more than 100 firefighters and two dozen fire engines responded to the spot, while two air units were deployed to include the spread of the fire.
Residents living in two nearby apartment blocks were also evacuated, dozens to stay in hotels or with family and friends, after a fire in several balconies of two buildings.
One of the nearby building told a doorman Manchester evening press This smoke was “billing” everywhere, while the fire was “fierce”.
“I don’t even know what to say – it was wild,” he said. “I could sniff the smoke, so I went out and saw that the entireness of the building was on fire”.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Services said that officials were called to help the authorities set fire from around the area.
Trains inside and out of Manchester Oxford Road were also canceled as Synders allegedly landed on the track. National Rail said that “residual” disruption was expected by 9.30 am on Tuesday.
Council leader Bev Craig said: “We are working closely with emergency reaction colleagues this evening after the major fire incident in the Hotsper Press Building. The vacant residents are now being supported at a nearby rest center.
“With the closure of the local road, there is a cordon around the Cambridge Street, and we thank people for taking fire service advice to avoid the region, while the crew continues to work on the site. People living nearby should also keep windows and doors closed to avoid smoke.
“A final thanks to the emergency personnel of the city for their ongoing efforts tonight, working quickly to keep the fire under control and keep our residents safe.”
Originally manufactured as a cotton mill, built as a medalock mill, in around 1801, the building is considered the oldest mill in Manchester.
After stopping the printing works in 1996, the building fell into chaos and has remained empty since.
A redevelopment plan was given a Go-forward to convert the old mill into a 36-storey student tower in May 2024, but the work was not yet started.
A spokesman for the GMFRS said the warning of the major event was removed immediately after 9 pm, and the people living in one of the two buildings have returned.