A major fire has caused extensive damage to Lodge Mill in Middleton, leaving the building largely destroyed and prompting an urgent community fundraising appeal.
Fire crews were called to Lodge Mill on Townley Street shortly before 6am on Sunday 29 March, where a large blaze spread through the historic structure. The former silk and cotton mill, believed to date back to around 1850, has suffered what owners describe as an almost total loss.
Demolition work has now begun to make the site safe, with upper floors being taken down to reduce the structure to a lower height. The extent of the damage means much of the building cannot be salvaged.
Owners Martin Cove and Paula Hickey had spent seven years restoring the mill and developing it into a community space housing several small businesses, including an ice cream parlour, event space, and studios. Other tenants included a dance studio, tea room and specialist services operating from the ground floor.
In a public fundraising appeal, Martin Cove said, "You will have seen the devastating news that a fire ripped through our beloved Lodge Mill, Middleton in the early hours of Sunday morning."
He added, "Sadly the fire has led to an almost total loss of the building with demolition taking the walls down to the first floor level."
Describing the impact on businesses and the wider community, he said, "We are absolutely distraught at the loss of not only our beloved Lodge, but for the loss of all the local businesses that had made Lodge their home."
He confirmed the building was not insured, saying, "Due to the nature of the building it was uninsurable, particularly after the large fire that destroyed the back mill at Lodge several years ago."
No injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire remains unknown.
The fundraising appeal has raised more than £2,400 towards a £10,000 target within hours, with dozens of donations from members of the public. Cove said community support had been immediate, adding, "The outpouring of love and compassion we have received from the local community and town has strengthened our resolve."
The fire has also affected community events organised at the site. Cove said, "Our community group has also lost all of its tools and props for the community events which will hinder our ability to put on the community events in the short term."
He confirmed that part of the site may still be used. "The Engine House has survived and we hope to get it back up and running as soon as we possibly can which will give us all a temporary home."
Appealing for support, he said, "We will not give up and hope that you will join us please spread the word that Lodge Mill still needs your help help save the heritage we still have left help save our community."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said crews remained at the scene into Monday to dampen down hotspots, while road closures were kept in place. Rochdale Council said it is working with the owners and contractors to ensure the structure is safe before a full assessment is carried out.
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