The 11 historic Greater Manchester buildings at risk of being lost forever according to new list

By Sofia Fedeczko

Published 21st Jun 2024, 07:00 BST

Eleven buildings in Greater Manchester have been added to SAVE Britain’s Heritage ‘at risk’ list.

The updated list includes the “Toast Rack” in Rusholme and the Essoldo Cinema in Stretford.

Now in its 35th year, the campaign group’s buildings at risk register aims to highlight the historical importance of some of the country’s forgotten local treasures. Many of the 1,500 plus buildings on the list nationally have been left to ruin and are in serious danger of being lost for good. In particular, SAVE advocates for the reuse and repurpose of these buildings in a way that would integrate them back into the communities they once served.

The 11 new Greater Manchester buildings represent a wide range of points in the region’s history – the oldest is a 16th century farmhouse in Altrincham and the newest building on the list is the distinctive Toast Rack, a former university building completed in 1960.

These entries are just the latest in a growing list of Greater Manchester architectural gems that are in need of attention, according to SAVE. Previous editions include the Theatre Royale on Peter Street and two Northern Quarter buildings on Oldham Street.

Here are the 11 new buildings on the SAVE Britain’s Heritage buildings at risk register.

Completed in 1960, Hollings Hall was designed by Leonard C Howitt. It was originally built as a college but has been left abandoned since 2013. SAVE say: "This Grade II listed building, known as 'the Toast Rack,' features a distinctive hyperbolic paraboloid frame with 23 concrete arches."

1. The Toast Rack

Completed in 1960, Hollings Hall was designed by Leonard C Howitt. It was originally built as a college but has been left abandoned since 2013. SAVE say: "This Grade II listed building, known as 'the Toast Rack,' features a distinctive hyperbolic paraboloid frame with 23 concrete arches." | Google Street View

This Grade II listed building in Hulme was built in the 19th century and originally housed an officers' mess hall. It was divided into flats, but SAVE says it "is in poor condition despite being in partial use and seems to be deteriorating."

2. Barracks House, 10 Princess Street

This Grade II listed building in Hulme was built in the 19th century and originally housed an officers' mess hall. It was divided into flats, but SAVE says it "is in poor condition despite being in partial use and seems to be deteriorating." | Google Maps

This abandoned 16th century, Grade II farmhouse has been seriously neglected over the years. SAVE suggest that its proximity to the Runway Visitor Centre at Manchester Airport could indicate "a possible role for these otherwise redundant buildings."

3. Clough Bank Farm, Old Wilmslow Road

This abandoned 16th century, Grade II farmhouse has been seriously neglected over the years. SAVE suggest that its proximity to the Runway Visitor Centre at Manchester Airport could indicate "a possible role for these otherwise redundant buildings." | Google Maps

Dating back to the early 18th century, this former hotel and later care home is also in need of refurbishment. SAVE said that "although recent work is encouraging. There is still concern about its condition."

4. Fenton House, 4 Higher Ardwick

Dating back to the early 18th century, this former hotel and later care home is also in need of refurbishment. SAVE said that "although recent work is encouraging. There is still concern about its condition." | Google Maps

Greater Manchester History Altrincham heritage

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