A century-old building in Hale, Greater Manchester, met an untimely end due to the ferocious winds of Storm Eowyn. The red-brick structure, dating back to the early 1900s, had already shown signs of distress in the days leading up to the storm, with cracks appearing in its walls. The storm’s 60mph gusts exacerbated the existing structural weaknesses, ultimately leading to the three-story building’s dramatic collapse. The unfortunate event was captured on video by Michael Haworth, co-owner of a nearby hair salon, showing a section of the red brick wall peeling away before the building crumbled to the ground.
The building, which had been vacant for approximately two years, was most recently occupied by Atticus bar. Prior to its demise, the structure was undergoing renovations intended to transform it into a private medical practice. The planned renovations included extensive work at the rear of the building, believed to involve basement expansion and potential additional stories. These modifications, coupled with the building’s age and the intense wind pressure from Storm Eowyn, likely contributed to its collapse. The building’s historical significance and unique architectural features added to the poignancy of its destruction.
The imminent danger posed by the unstable building prompted Trafford Council officers to condemn the structure and order the closure of adjacent businesses – The Knot Hair Studio and Mouse House Print Shop – as a precautionary measure. A cordon was established around the building on Friday morning, with the intention of carrying out a controlled demolition. However, the forces of nature intervened, causing the building’s spontaneous collapse before the planned demolition could take place.
The collapse unfolded dramatically, with the building reportedly creaking since the onset of the storm on Friday. Eyewitness Michael Haworth described an anxious moment while filming the collapse, fearing the debris might reach him. Following the incident, the road was completely closed off, and a controlled deconstruction of the remaining structure was expected to follow. The incident underscored the destructive power of nature and the vulnerability of even seemingly sturdy structures in the face of extreme weather events.
The planned renovations for the building, as detailed in a design statement on the Trafford Council planning application site, aimed to preserve the existing shop front entrance while adding a separate staff entrance and fire exit on the side elevation. The internal layout was designed to accommodate a medical practice, featuring consultation rooms, a reception area, waiting room, counseling room, accessible WC/shower area, education suite, manager’s office, and an admin office. The plan also called for the removal of an existing commercial kitchen in the basement to create a landscaped courtyard at the rear of the property.
The building’s collapse not only represents a loss of property but also a loss of local history. The structure, having stood for a century, had undoubtedly witnessed significant changes in the surrounding area and held a place in the collective memory of the community. While the planned renovations aimed to repurpose the building for modern use, they also acknowledged the importance of preserving its historical façade. The unexpected collapse, brought on by the powerful winds of Storm Eowyn, serves as a stark reminder of the forces of nature and the fragility of even the most enduring structures. This incident joins other storm-related tragedies, highlighting the destructive impact such weather events can have on communities and infrastructure.
