A significant fire broke out on the afternoon of Sunday, 23 June 2025, at the iconic Hotspur Press building in Manchester city centre, prompting a large-scale emergency response and widespread disruption across the area.
Fire Engulfs Historic Building
At approximately 3:30 PM, smoke was seen billowing from the Hotspur Press, a former 19th-century printing works on Cambridge Street, just a stone’s throw from Oxford Road station. Within minutes, the fire had engulfed three floors of the disused building, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky and triggering a swift response from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).
More than 20 fire engines and two aerial units were deployed to the scene, with crews battling the flames throughout the evening. The scale and intensity of the blaze led to fears over structural integrity and safety, prompting further emergency measures.
Evacuations and Transport Disruption
Two nearby apartment buildings on 1 Cambridge Street were evacuated as a precaution, with residents being escorted to a temporary emergency shelter in a local hotel. GMFRS advised people living nearby to keep windows closed and stay indoors due to smoke inhalation risks.
The fire also caused major disruption to public transport. Manchester Oxford Road station was forced to close, and all train services through the area were suspended or severely delayed. Rail replacement buses were organised, and commuters were urged to check with National Rail for the latest updates.
Road closures were implemented in and around the Oxford Road and Cambridge Street areas, with traffic being diverted and bus routes altered. Greater Manchester Police and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) coordinated efforts to manage the safety cordon.
Historical Importance of the Hotspur Press
The Hotspur Press is a well-known landmark in Manchester, having originally served as a mill in the 1800s before becoming a commercial printing house. In recent years, it stood unused, but held significant cultural value as part of the city’s industrial past.
There had been plans in the past to regenerate the site as part of wider redevelopment in the Oxford Road corridor, but the fire has now cast uncertainty over its future.
Emergency Services Praise Public Response
In a statement, GMFRS praised the “swift and calm cooperation” of the public and emergency services. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Ben Norman said:
“Our crews have worked tirelessly to contain this fire and protect both lives and property. We are grateful to the residents who cooperated with evacuations and to our partner agencies who supported the operation.”
No injuries have been reported at this time, but fire investigations are expected to begin once the site is safe to enter.
What Happens Next?
Firefighters remain on site today to dampen hotspots and ensure no flare-ups occur. Structural engineers will be brought in to assess the damage to the building. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.
Residents are advised to follow updates from GMFRS, GMP, and TfGM, as further information on travel and access is expected to develop in the coming days.
