Hale village found itself at the center of a dramatic incident this morning as a three-story building on Ashley Road was deemed at risk of collapse. Large cracks appeared in the structure, significantly worsening overnight due to the high winds brought by Storm Eowyn. This has prompted immediate action from local authorities, who have cordoned off the area to ensure public safety. The affected building, which has stood empty for the past two years, previously housed Atticus bar and has since been earmarked for redevelopment.
The cracks, first noticed by residents two days ago, grew alarmingly severe within 48 hours. By early morning, the danger became evident, prompting the police to close off the surrounding area at approximately 8:30 a.m. Local businesses in the vicinity, including the Mouse House Print Shop and The Knot hair salon, were forced to close as structural engineers and council staff assessed the damage. Initial reports suggest that part of the building may need to be demolished to prevent a collapse.
Details of the Affected Building
The building on Ashley Road has a long history, dating back to the early 1900s. Its architectural features reflect the period, making it a notable part of Hale’s historical landscape. Over the decades, it has served various purposes, most recently operating as Atticus bar until its closure two years ago. The structure has since remained boarded up, awaiting a new lease on life under different ownership.
January 2024, the building was sold, and the new owners secured planning permission from Trafford Council to transform the site into a private medical practice. The ambitious redevelopment plans included adding a rear extension at the basement and ground floor levels, as well as reconfiguring the interior to accommodate modern healthcare facilities. The proposed layout detailed four consultation rooms, a counseling room, a reception and waiting area, and accessible amenities such as a WC and shower. Additionally, the removal of the commercial kitchen in the basement was intended to create a landscaped courtyard at the rear of the property.
While the redevelopment aimed to breathe new life into this historic building, the sudden structural damage caused by Storm Eowyn has brought these plans to an abrupt halt. Engineers and council officials are now working to determine the next steps to stabilize the area and protect the safety of residents and passersby.
Development Plans and Structural Work
The building on Ashley Road, which has stood as a landmark since the early 1900s, was set to undergo a significant transformation after being sold to new owners in January 2024. Shortly after acquiring the property, the owners secured planning permission from Trafford Council to repurpose the structure as a private medical practice. This redevelopment aimed to preserve the building’s historic charm while upgrading it to meet modern healthcare standards.
The proposed renovations included constructing a rear extension at both the basement and ground floor levels. This extension was designed to create additional functional space while maintaining the original shop front entrance on Ashley Road. The plans also called for the inclusion of a separate staff entrance and fire exit on the Bath Place side of the building. Internally, the reconfiguration was set to feature a minimum of four consultation rooms, a counseling room, a reception and waiting area, and an accessible WC with a shower. To further enhance the property, the basement’s commercial kitchen was to be removed to make way for a landscaped courtyard, offering a welcoming outdoor space.
These changes were envisioned to bring a new purpose to the aging structure, ensuring it could continue to serve the local community in a meaningful way. However, the unexpected damage caused by recent weather events has placed the project on hold and brought the building’s future into question.
The Impact of Storm Eowyn
Storm Eowyn, which swept through Hale village with ferocious winds, has had a devastating effect on the Ashley Road building. Residents first noticed cracks on the rear of the structure approximately 48 hours before the incident escalated. However, the overnight arrival of strong winds exacerbated the issue, causing the cracks to spread rapidly and the structural integrity to deteriorate further.
By the early hours of the morning, the building’s condition had visibly worsened, with deep fissures in the masonry raising concerns about an imminent collapse. The high winds not only destabilized the structure but also made it impossible to initiate any immediate repairs or stabilization efforts. As a precaution, police cordoned off the area, and businesses nearby were ordered to close temporarily to ensure public safety.
The damage has left structural engineers facing a significant challenge. The building, already weakened, may require a controlled demolition of its damaged portions to prevent further risk to the surrounding area. This unfortunate turn of events has not only delayed redevelopment plans but also posed a threat to the historic character of Ashley Road, leaving both authorities and residents waiting for a solution.
Emergency Response
The sudden structural instability of the building on Ashley Road triggered an immediate response from local authorities. By 8:30 a.m., police had cordoned off the area to prevent public access, prioritizing the safety of residents and passersby. Businesses located near the building, including the Mouse House Print Shop and The Knot hair salon, were instructed to close their doors temporarily. Owners of these establishments, such as Dan and Sally Germain of Mouse House, described the scene as alarming, with cracks visibly worsening and posing a clear danger to those nearby.
Staff from Trafford Council, alongside structural engineers from Amey, quickly arrived at the site to assess the extent of the damage. Efforts were focused on evaluating the risks and determining the immediate steps required to stabilize the area. Evacuation protocols were initiated for affected residents living nearby, ensuring that those at potential risk were moved to safety. With high winds from Storm Eowyn complicating operations, initial repair efforts were postponed, leaving the area under strict monitoring.
The severity of the situation has led to discussions of a controlled demolition of the most compromised sections of the building. Such measures, while drastic, may be necessary to protect public safety and prevent further damage to surrounding properties.
Statements from Authorities
Green Party councillor for Hale, Hannah Spencer, addressed the incident early this morning. She acknowledged the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the council’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and keeping them informed. “We’ve been out to assess the situation and have met with staff and structural engineers from Amey and Trafford Council,” she said.
Spencer also outlined the steps being taken to minimize disruption and danger, explaining that affected residents were being contacted and evacuated as needed. She added that while high winds currently limit repair work, there is potential for one lane of traffic to reopen on Ashley Road once the immediate risks have been mitigated. “The council are keeping us updated, and we will share more with residents as soon as we are made aware,” she stated, expressing gratitude to emergency services and council staff for their prompt response.
These ongoing efforts aim to address both short-term safety concerns and long-term plans for the site. While the building’s future remains uncertain, authorities have reassured the community that every precaution is being taken to stabilize the area and protect its residents.
Accounts from Local Residents and Businesses
Dan and Sally Germain, owners of the Mouse House Print Shop located next to the affected building, shared their firsthand experience of the dramatic developments. Dan recalled the moment he opened the window at around 7 a.m. and was immediately struck by how much worse the building’s condition had become overnight. “It had gone really bad overnight,” he said, describing the deep cracks that had formed along the building’s rear facade. Concerned for the safety of local pedestrians, including families with children, he quickly phoned the police at around 7:30 a.m. and stood outside, warning passersby to take a detour.
Their proactive efforts were part of the wider community response to the unfolding situation. Before the police arrived, many local residents and business owners were already on alert, recognizing the potential danger posed by the building’s deteriorating condition. The tight-knit nature of the Hale community meant that people were quick to act, ensuring that the area was evacuated and that no one was put at risk.
Future Steps and Timeline
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are focusing on the stabilization of the area. Structural engineers and council staff are working together to assess the full extent of the damage and devise a plan to secure the building and surrounding area. Controlled demolition of the most severely damaged sections of the building is being considered as a necessary step to prevent further risk of collapse. This process will require careful coordination, and safety remains the top priority.
Additionally, there are discussions about the potential reopening of Ashley Road to limited traffic once the immediate hazards are addressed. However, the timeline for these steps remains uncertain. The high winds from Storm Eowyn are still impacting the site, complicating repair efforts and causing delays in progress. As councillor Hannah Spencer noted, “Work is limited at this stage because of high winds,” emphasizing the need for caution before moving forward with any major steps.
The uncertainty around the timeline highlights the challenges of responding to such a dynamic and unpredictable situation. While authorities are doing everything in their power to stabilize the area and keep the community safe, the full resolution of the incident may take time, depending on the weather and the scope of the necessary repairs.
Read more: Former Bar Collapses in Hale Village – A Dramatic Turn of Events
Conclusion
The Hale village incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of extreme weather events and the vital role of community vigilance and responsive local governance. While the building’s fate remains uncertain, the prompt action of residents, local businesses, and authorities has prevented potential catastrophe. Moving forward, the focus will remain on ensuring public safety and assessing the full scope of repairs needed to restore the area. The work is expected to be challenging, given the damage and adverse weather conditions, but authorities are committed to managing the situation effectively. As updates continue to emerge, residents and businesses in Hale village can rest assured that every precaution is being taken to protect them.
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