Cracks were seen appearing in the walls late last week but got worse as high winds battered the area on Friday – and the three-storey building’s collapse was caught on camera
Horrifying images show the moment a historic building was left in pieces after Storm Eowyn ripped through it with deadly gale force winds.
Cracks were seen appearing in the 1900s building late last week but got worse as aggressive winds battered the area on Friday. Michael Haworth, joint owner of nearby Porters hairdressers, captured its collapse in Hale, Greater Manchester, on Saturday January 25.
The building had been sitting empty for around two years and was last occupied by Atticus bar, but its buyer had plans to turn it into a private medical practice, Michael claimed. He added: “I am one of the proprietors of Porters which is next door but one, and there is an Indian restaurant which is in between.
“My fire escape allowed me to get into a little alleyway from where I could get the footage. The building was condemned on Thursday. I believe the hairdressers next door, called The Knot, were complaining that their floor was cracking so building regulations were called in.”
Trafford council have since ordered the closure of some nearby businesses as a precaution, and erected a cordon for a controlled demolition, Manchester Evening News reports.
Michael said: “Atticus bar was bought by an Indian doctor. I spoke to the guy and he was going to turn it into a private medical practice. It has had extensive works done including a big excavation at the back which I can only assume they were going to extend the basement and possibly build on top of that.
“They have also dug out under the foundations of the adjoining property. It is an historic building and there is quite interesting architecture on the front of it. It was quite edgy watching it come down, especially being so close to it. I did wonder if it was going to come straight at me. Apparently the building has been creaking since yesterday.
“Quite possibly the situation with the building has worsened because of the storm. The road has now been closed off completely. I assume a controlled deconstruction will now take place.”
According Trafford Council’s planning application site, the work being done on the building before it collapsed would have retained the existing shop front main entrance and provided a separate staff entrance & fire exit on the side elevation facing onto Bath Place.
It also spoke of the inclusion of at least four consultation rooms, a reception area and waiting room, counselling room, new accessible WC/shower area, education suite, manager’s office and admin office.
