Historic Middleton Mill Gutted by Raging Blaze, Uninsured Owners Plead for Community Aid as Demolition Commenced
Middleton, Greater Manchester, UK – Last weekend, when a devastating blaze consumed Lodge Mill, a historic building in Middleton, it prompted its owners to launch an urgent community appeal for support as demolition work has been underway on the fire-ravaged structure. Firefighters were called to the former silk and cotton mill on Townley Street just before 6 AM on Sunday, March 29th, battling an enormous fire that locals reported hearing accompanied by, "loud bangs and explosions", as parts of the site crumbled.
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Dating back to approximately 1850 and considered Middleton's oldest mill, Lodge Mill had already faced damge by a previous fire. It fell into disrepair in the early 2000s before Martin Cove and Paula Hickey purchased the front section, embarking on an ambitious restoration project. This latest inferno, however, has caused damage that definitely seems beyond any feasible restoration to its original form.
Despite previous challenges, the couple had successfully transformed parts of the mill. The intact section housed a vibrant events space and a picturesque ice-cream parlour, serving locally-made treats. The ground floor was also home to several other local enterprises, including a children's dance studio, a tea room, a dog chiropractor, and the popular Engine House event space, which routinely hosted weddings and functions.
Now, owner Martin Cove has launched an online fundraiser, desperate to, "rebuild on what is left", of the beloved venue. He revealed the overwhelming emotional toll, describing, "a lot of tears and heartbreak", as much of the mill is condemned. Compounding the tragedy, Cove stated the building was uninsurable due to its age and the prior 2021 fire, leaving them without financial protection.
On Tuesday, March 31st, just two days after the blaze, demolition work commenced. The area has been fenced off, with diggers seen pulling down exposed bricks from the upper floors, confirming fears that the mill's top two storeys are set to be completely reduced to rubble.
As the debris is cleared, the community faces the poignant sight of a cherished landmark being dismantled, with its future now resting on the generosity of the public and the resilience of its dedicated owners.
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Dating back to approximately 1850 and considered Middleton's oldest mill, Lodge Mill had already faced damge by a previous fire. It fell into disrepair in the early 2000s before Martin Cove and Paula Hickey purchased the front section, embarking on an ambitious restoration project. This latest inferno, however, has caused damage that definitely seems beyond any feasible restoration to its original form.
Despite previous challenges, the couple had successfully transformed parts of the mill. The intact section housed a vibrant events space and a picturesque ice-cream parlour, serving locally-made treats. The ground floor was also home to several other local enterprises, including a children's dance studio, a tea room, a dog chiropractor, and the popular Engine House event space, which routinely hosted weddings and functions.
Now, owner Martin Cove has launched an online fundraiser, desperate to, "rebuild on what is left", of the beloved venue. He revealed the overwhelming emotional toll, describing, "a lot of tears and heartbreak", as much of the mill is condemned. Compounding the tragedy, Cove stated the building was uninsurable due to its age and the prior 2021 fire, leaving them without financial protection.
On Tuesday, March 31st, just two days after the blaze, demolition work commenced. The area has been fenced off, with diggers seen pulling down exposed bricks from the upper floors, confirming fears that the mill's top two storeys are set to be completely reduced to rubble.
As the debris is cleared, the community faces the poignant sight of a cherished landmark being dismantled, with its future now resting on the generosity of the public and the resilience of its dedicated owners.
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