Eleven classic buildings in Greater Manchester are at risk of being lost forever

These include a hotel built for workers at Trafford Park, which has become a ‘stop’ for football fans; a cash register-shaped cinema; and the birthplace of the Bee Gees’ younger brother.

And these are just some of the eleven buildings in Manchester and Trafford that are among the 86 new listings on a national register of heritage at risk. The weird and the classic are represented and all are in danger of being lost for good.

They have been added to the Register of Buildings at Risk compiled by SAVE Britain’s Heritage. The group identified the “wonderfully ornate” Trafford Park Hotel on Third Avenue, Stretford, as vulnerable.

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Trafford Park Hotel

Opened in 1902, it was built to serve the worker bees of the newly created Trafford Park industrial estate, which also had a residential community of over 500 houses arranged in a grid pattern.

SAVE says of the hotel: “It is about a mile east of Manchester United’s Old Trafford Football Stadium and has been a popular stopping point for fans for both refreshment – and relief. Unfortunately, we understand that while many of the hotel’s original fittings are still in place, including a grand staircase, the very long urinals that were built in the basement to accommodate supporters on match days have been removed.

“This wonderful building is in a bad state after being squatted and passed through different properties. It needs a new use.”

Ashley Hotels bought the building for £900,000 in 2017 and Property Hub bought it from them for £825,000 in September 2020. It was sold again and in 2022 an application to convert it into flats and to build a new block of 20 apartments. was submitted to Trafford Council.

Two planning applications are still pending – one is for permission to create apartments in the hotel and one is for listed building consent. The proposal to build a new apartment block next to the hotel was dropped. A decision is expected to be taken soon under the delegated powers.

Liz Fuller from SAVE said: “If you want to be transported to different locations and different times in our history, access to this list of buildings we’re adding to our Buildings at Risk register is just the ticket you need. While the variety of fascinating structures is inspiring, it is shocking that they are in danger.

“The new entries serve as an urgent reminder that these historic buildings are a resource which, if restored and re-used, have the potential to provide huge benefits to their communities through their character, shared history and return to use.”

Baracia House

Also on the list is Barracks House, another Grade II listed building, which is at 10 Princess Street in Hulme, Manchester. Built in the early 1800s, it was historically used as an officers’ mess and later offices. Today it is divided into apartments. SAVE says: “It is in poor condition despite being in partial use and appears to be deteriorating.”

Cloughbank Farm

Cloughbank Farm, on Old Wilmslow Road, Ringway, Altrincham, is close to Manchester Airport. The Grade II listed farmhouse dates from the 16th century with later additions. It is surrounded by disused outbuildings and is “very neglected”. Nearby, a visitor center is suitable for plane watchers, suggesting a possible role for the otherwise redundant buildings.

Fenton House

Fenton House, at 4 Higher Ardwick, Manchester, is described as an “attractive early 18th-century house”. Grade II listed, it was once a hotel and then a care home. Now decommissioned it shows signs of deterioration. SAVE says: “Although recent work is encouraging, there are still concerns about its condition.”

The tall elms

High Elms, at 1 Upper Park Road, is on a road of large and graceful Victorian houses in a conservation area. The same area of ​​Victoria Park was inhabited and painted by the French Impressionist and mentor of LS Lowry, Adolfe Vallette. The Grade II listed villa served as NHS offices until the 2010s. It has been disused and deteriorated since then, “ruining the surrounding neighbourhood”.

The toast holder

It used to be called Hollings Hall. Built 1957-60 by Leonard C Howitt, on Wilmslow Road it is now known as ‘The Toast Rack’. That’s because the Grade II-listed building features “a distinctive hyperbolic paraboloid frame with 23 concrete arches”, says SAVE. Originally an educational college, it has been unused since 2013 and is in need of maintenance.

The landmark building in Fallowfield was put up for sale ahead of its major transformation last summer. Overseas investor Estrela has owned the property since buying it from Manchester Metropolitan University for £5m in 2014.

Now the 3.71 acre site has been put back on the market complete with detailed planning consent for 211 homes. Real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield is marketing the site, which includes Toast Rack, Horseshoe, the Gateway site and Stitching Hall.

The approved planning agreement would see the creation of a mix of one to four-bed apartments, as well as 20,910 sq m of gym and leisure space, 7,582 sq m of retail space and 154 car parking spaces shared across the site.

Basford House

Basford House, at Stretford Memorial Hospital, 226 Seymour Grove, Stretford was built between 1850-1860 as a large, private residence on generous grounds. It was loaned to the Red Cross in the First World War and remained in the hospital until 2015. Andy Gibb, the pop star younger brother of the Bee Gees, Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, was born in the hospital in 1958. Sadly, he died just five days after its 30th birthday in 1988. Unlisted, development for the building is proposed but has not started.

Trafford Press

Trafford Press, Chester Road, Stretford was built between 1908-1922. SAVE says: “This stunning building features red and orange brick with decorative details.

“Known as the Trafford Press, it was damaged by fire in 2021. Acquired for redevelopment in 2023, its future includes potential restoration, but no work has started.”

The Veno building

Next door is the white Veno building at 426 Chester Road, Stretford. Built between 1922-1938 and used Neoclassical and Art Deco features to dramatic effect. It was part of the Co-operative Press and is now part of the Orchid Point redevelopment site, but is still derelict and derelict.

The empress mill

Also in Stretford, Empress Mill, at 7−11 Empress Street, was built between 1903-1909. The four-story red brick building was converted to apartments in 2013, closed in 2018. Recently acquired for redevelopment, it is part of a group of industrial buildings in this quarter.

Cinema Essoldo

Essoldo Cinema, at 1122A Chester Road, Stretford, was built in 1936 as Longford Cinema. SAVE says: “This Grade II listed building has a dramatic curved roofline designed to look like a cash register – a reflection of the architect’s vision of the film industry. Once a movie theater and bingo hall, it has been closed since 1997. Rumors about it. reopening remains unconfirmed.”