Hotspur Press building to be partially demolished after devastating fire
A decision has been made with partners to partially demolish the Hotspur Press building to allow safe internal firefighting to take place.
Over 20 fire engines and 100 firefighters descended on the old Hotspur Press printing works on Cambridge Street on Monday afternoon, evacuating and getting people to safety while battling the huge blaze that was deemed a major incident.
Exhausted firefighters remain on the scene battling the remaining pockets of fire.
In a fresh update this evening a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Firefighters continue to work hard to bring the fire at Hotspur Press to a safe conclusion.
“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.”
The former mill site was built between 1801 and 1882 and was originally used for textile manufacturing before being converted to a printing press by Percy Brothers Ltd in 1903 and was used as such until 2011.
The cause of the fire has yet to be established.