As Manchester starts a new day, it’s with a heavy heart that one of the city’s foundation blocks now lies a gutted, crumbling ruin. By late evening yesterday, Hotspur Press, one of the oldest mills in Manchester city centre , was destroyed by fire. Earlier, chaos was brought to the city centre as choking plumes of smoke rose into the air. Nearby homes were evacuated, and Oxford Road station ground to a halt. Teams of firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the inferno under control as people helplessly watched the gutting of the historic landmark as its structures began to fall. This morning, we take in the aftermath . Emergency services remain on scene while firefighters still aim their jets of water at the smouldering skeleton of the building. The building’s history will forever be associated with Manchester’s story and its place in the Industrial Revolution. Originally built as Medlock Mill, a cotton mill, in around 1801, it is considered Manchester’s oldest mill. It was later repurposed as a printing works by the Percy Brothers in the late 1800s, producing various comics and journals, but it failed to be redeveloped and modernised like its counterparts. After ceasing printing operations in the 1990s, the building fell into disrepair and remained empty and derelict. In the shadow of modern developments nearby, it stood unkept and unloved. A redevelopment plan was then unveiled. Initial plans to convert it into a 171-home, 28-storey apartment block fell through in 2020, with a new firm, Manner, taking the historic structure on. Their plans to build a 36-storey student tower and keep the original fa莽ade were given planning permission in May 2024, but a year later, work hadn’t started. However, as well as being a historic piece of Manchester, the old mill was also a personal symbol of the city. A building you looked out for as you made your slow arrival back to Oxford Street Station. With no official word yet as to its cause, it’s understandable that many people are cynically speculating about how the fire started. An investigation will undoubtedly take place. But it is one of Manchester’s oldest and most symbolic structures. It became a welcome contrast in many ways, keeping its place among the high-rise modernity that now dominates the city. As we published updates on yesterday’s fire, M.E.N. readers took to the comments on our Facebook page to share their thoughts. For many people, the overwhelming sense is loss. James Mawdesley said: “It was such a nice building too. It really added to the contrast of ‘old and new’ in the area, creating those striking images we all love to see”. Julian Kelley said: “That building has managed to survive two world wars – what a sad end.” Laura Austin said: “Goodbye old Hotspur Press. Great building with so much history behind it. We will miss you.” While Charlotte Scott said: “What an absolute shame. Another piece of English history destroyed.” For other readers, it’s anger. Anger as to why this has happened and cynicism as to what will come next. Michael Shaw said: “Ooh look, space for another skyscraper.” James Allen said: “Manchester Council should now step [in] to stop anything being built on the site. And a thorough investigation”. Mitch Gaynor said: “Was sat outside having a coffee yesterday wondering if that wonderful old building would get reused. Look likes it’s more apartments then!” While we don’t yet know what will be left standing after the last of the flames are put out, some already have their own thoughts as to what might, or should, come next. Rosanna Benson said the building “Should be rebuilt as it was.” Steven Cooper was in agreement, saying: “Get whoever owns the land or whoever is responsible to rebuild it brick by brick.” Joe Patricks said: “Remnants of history like ancient remains of Abbeys are protected, so do same with this building!” Paul Derek said: “Because Manchester has lost one of its oldest buildings, it should now be turned into a green space for people to enjoy and remember good Victorian architecture.” Others took the opportunity to thank the emergency services for risking their lives in putting out the terrible blaze. Doris Brennan said: “Well done to the fire brigade – a job well done and glad they were all safe.” While Usman Rajpoot was of the same mind, posting: “We should give a special thank you to the fire team who did such a hard job”. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE