Centennial Structure Obliterated by Storm Eowyn’s Ferocious 60mph Gales

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A century-old structure has been obliterated after being struck by 60mph gusts during Storm Eowyn.

Cracks began to emerge in the red-bricked edifice, which originated in the 1900s, late last week.

These fissures worsened after Storm Eowyn stirred up fierce winds on Friday, resulting in the three-storey building in Hale, Greater Manchester to succumb to collapse.

Michael Haworth, co-owner of a neighboring Porters hair salon, captured the moment it fell apart yesterday.

In the video, a red brick wall can be seen detaching from one extremity before debris splatters to the ground.

Michael shared: ‘I am one of the owners of Porters, which is next door but one, and there’s an Indian restaurant situated in between.

‘I utilized my fire escape to reach a small alleyway from where I managed to obtain the footage.

‘The building was declared unsafe on Thursday.’

‘I understand that the hairdressing salon next door, named The Knot, had been voicing concerns about their floors cracking, resulting in building regulations being invoked.’

The establishment, which has remained vacant for approximately two years, was most recently occupied by the Atticus bar.

Trafford council officials ordered the temporary closure of The Knot Hair Studio and another adjacent business, the Mouse House Print Shop, as a safety measure.

On Friday morning, a cordon was established, and plans were underway for a controlled demolition.

However, nature intervened before they could implement their plans.

Michael noted that the individual who acquired the property had intentions of converting it into a private medical facility.

‘Significant renovations were undertaken, including an extensive excavation at the rear, which I can only presume was aimed at enhancing the basement and potentially erecting additional structures above,’ he said.

‘This is a historic building and showcases fascinating architectural details on its façade.

‘It was quite unsettling to witness it collapse, particularly from such proximity. I genuinely feared it might tumble directly towards me.

‘Reportedly, the building had been creaking since Friday.

‘It’s quite possible that the condition of the structure deteriorated due to the storm. The roadway is now completely cordoned off. I suspect a controlled dismantling will follow.’

A planning statement from Trafford Council’s application site mentions that the renovations intended to ‘preserve the existing shop front entrance and create a distinct staff entrance & fire exit on the side elevation facing Bath Place.’

It further specified that the interior spaces were planned to include at least four consultation rooms, a reception area and waiting room, a counselling room, a new accessible restroom/shower area, an educational suite, a manager’s office, and an administrative office.

The renovations were also set to involve the removal of an existing commercial kitchen located at the rear basement level to accommodate a lower-ground landscaped courtyard at the back of the premises.

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