ROAD TO RECOVERY

THESE photographs give a rare glimpse into the work to breathe new life into a landmark building.

- LEE GRIMSDITCH

London Road Fire Station is a fine example of Edwardian Baroque architecture. The handsome terracotta and red brick building opposite Piccadilly Station has stood at the gateway to the city since its construction was completed in 1906.

Designed by Woodhouse, Willoughby & Langham, the Grade II*listed building also housed a police station, an ambulance station and a coroners court. It was bought by the Britannia Hotels Group, who published ambitious plans to turn it into a hotel. But since the coroners court closed in June 1998, the site has faced an uncertain future.

Photographer Pam Parish has now been given access and took pictures of the ongoing construction to bring the building the Manchester landmark back into use.

Pam, 54, who is a coroners officer from Bolton, told the M.E.N: "I've always been fascinated with the London Road Fire Station. When I was given the opportunity to look around I was delighted - and was especially interested in the old coroners court, due to my job." 

As well as vital work to bolster the building's construction, Pam's photos reveal the fire station's surviving ornamental features as well as the old dungeons that were part of the police station on Whitworth Street.