Monday, August 26, 2013

London Road Fire Station, Manchester


The fire station on London Road opened in 1906. It had a compliment of 30 men, 10 horses and 6 fire engines. The first motorised fire appliance did not appear until 1911.


In addition to a fire station with accompanying workshops, stables and control room, the site also housed a police station, an ambulance station, a bank, a Coroner's Court, and a gas-meter testing station as well as housing for the fire chief and his deputy and apartments for 32 firemen's families who were provided with a gymnasium, laundry, children's play area and a billiard room. The doors above were for the ambulances. The door below was the entrance to the deputy's house.


The premises began a gradual wind-down in 1974 and closed as a fire station in 1986 when it was sold to Britannia Hotels who proposed turning it into a luxury hotel but no plans have actually materialised.


The building was Grade II* listed in 1974 and in 2001 was placed on English Heritage's Buildings at Risk Register.


In 2013 the group Friends of London Road Fire Station was formed. It is a community trust working to bring the London Road Fire Station in Manchester back into positive use through a sympathetic, multipurpose redevelopment for the benefit of the community – as soon as possible.

A contribution to Whimsical Windows, Delirious Doors and Our World Tuesday.

9 comments:

  1. What a gorgeous building with that detail, really a rarity nowadays! I hope that they do find it a suitable use. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!

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  2. Great shots, interesting indeed :)

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  3. Fantastic details. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. Great looking building!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  5. What a terrific history this building has, as well as the beauty that you are sharing with us. I'm glad it's being looked after.

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  6. Beautiful photos! Nice to see the elegant doorways

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  7. Such beautiful details. I hope it does find a new life as a hotel!

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  8. Very nice and interesting post.
    And a nice atmosphere to your blog.
    Have a nice day! Greetings!

    Patricia & Daniel

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