What's happening with the old fire station? - Page 3

Gibbo · #21 (**permalink**) 26/06/08, 11:13 AM

future_architect · #22 (**permalink**) 28/06/08, 02:00 PM

i think the people who own this building should be tried for vandalism. i swear they are waiting for it to collapse or have a mysterious fire so they can demolish it.
they should be forced to sell it to a developer who have the vision and skills to save this place.

however, i know that this isnt possible

Phil Blinkhorn · #23 (**permalink**) 28/06/08, 06:22 PM

If, as is believed, the owners are the Britannia Hotel Group, they have been responsible for saving Watts Warehouse and the C&A building.

In both instances they were involved in lengthy wrangles with the City Council regarding the status of the buildings and the modifications required for hotel use - not to mention the lack of parking spaces - and they also have to assess the best time to launch a new hotel and at what market.

The Fire Station has been unused for far too long but to use the term vandalism - which implies deliberate destruction - is way too harsh and if they are hoping for what you imply, they have been waiting a very long time.

Gibbo · #24 (**permalink**) 30/06/08, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by future_architect

i swear they are waiting for it to collapse or have a mysterious fire so they can demolish it.

To be fair much of the building is in good condition. The corner furtherest from Picadilly has some roof leaks, but the rest appears sound. The place is pretty well secured and alarmed as well.

And considering a fair bit of work has been done on the tenements and the huge amount of hotel stuff stored there, I don't think they'd be keen on a fire. (Unless it's rubbish old stock and they can put in a big claim?)

Phil Blinkhorn · #25 (**permalink**) 30/06/08, 06:11 PM

As the Fire Station is a Grade II listed building and the subject of on going discussions about its future, the Council has a duty to ensure there is no undue dilapidation and can, at any time, serve a repair order on the owners.

Such an order can be served if an unoccupied or partially occupied building is not secured in a way to prevent malicious damage.

samorost · #26 (**permalink**) 01/07/08, 11:42 AM

It won't be secure if you publish security information.
The consequences of doing that are that idiots get in and trash places.

Anyway, it is secured, has cameras and alarms.

MobBoss · #27 (**permalink**) 07/07/08, 08:29 PM

North west tonight are doing some dort of docu on this on Tuesday night (8th). Has a phone call from their production department and have been asked to give my views on it.

18:30 BBC1 north west

MobBoss · #28 (**permalink**) 07/07/08, 08:35 PM

Tomorrow on BBC North West Tonight, we are doing a film about Listed Buildings in Manchester including the Old Fire Station. I noticed from a bulletin board that you lived there as a child. We thought you may be a good interviewee for the item. Dave's not in tomorrow so if you are intersted give me a bell on my extension *********, I'm in the office from 9am.

Phil Blinkhorn · #29 (**permalink**) 07/07/08, 11:37 PM

Should be interesting. Do you know if they have anyone appearing from the owners or the City Council?

Mamucium Son · #30 (**permalink**) 09/07/08, 12:34 AM

Well, that was a letdown. Popcorn at the ready to see - and listen to - one of our esteemed board members, and what do we get? The usual scouse bias re a building that has fallen down, and then 20 seconds of London Rd footage with a voiceover telling us what we already know. Pfffft.