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20 June 2025
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Manchester’s oldest mill destroyed after major fire, UK
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A major fire has destroyed what is believed to be Manchester’s oldest mill, forcing dozens of nearby residents to evacuate. The Hotspur Press building near Manchester Oxford Road railway station caught fire around 16h30 pm on Monday, 23 June 2025. Fire services said the flames engulfed three floors of the derelict mill. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said, “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.”
“Alongside Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police and partners, a decision has now been made to partially demolish the Hotspur Press building over the coming days. This is to enable safe firefighting and excavation in areas that are currently inaccessible, mitigating any risk to life. This will also allow safe internal investigations to begin.”
Residents living in two nearby apartment blocks were also evacuated, with dozens having to stay in hotels or with family and friends, after the fire spread to several balconies of the two buildings.
Originally built as Medlock Mill, a cotton mill, in around 1801, the building is thought to be Manchester's oldest mill. After ceasing printing operations in 1996, the building fell into disrepair and has remained empty ever since.
Sources: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS)
“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.”
“Alongside Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police and partners, a decision has now been made to partially demolish the Hotspur Press building over the coming days. This is to enable safe firefighting and excavation in areas that are currently inaccessible, mitigating any risk to life. This will also allow safe internal investigations to begin.”
Residents living in two nearby apartment blocks were also evacuated, with dozens having to stay in hotels or with family and friends, after the fire spread to several balconies of the two buildings.
Originally built as Medlock Mill, a cotton mill, in around 1801, the building is thought to be Manchester's oldest mill. After ceasing printing operations in 1996, the building fell into disrepair and has remained empty ever since.
Sources: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS)
