London Road Fire Station, Manchester

London Road Fire Station in Manchester is a notable example of Edwardian Baroque architecture. Designed by Woodhouse, Willoughby, and Langham, the fire station opened in 1906 and features red brick and terracotta construction. The building complex, situated at a prime location bordered by London Road, Whitworth Street, Minshull Street South, and Fairfield Street, has been a Grade II* listed building since 1974.

Originally built by J. Gerrard and Sons of Swinton, London Road Fire Station was more than just a fire station; it included a police station, an ambulance station, a bank, a coroner's court, and a gas-meter testing station. The station served as a comprehensive civic facility housing not only firemen and their families but also providing essential services to the community. Initially equipped with horse-drawn fire appliances, the station transitioned to motorized vehicles shortly after its opening.

During its operational years, the fire station was significant in the community, especially during World War II when it was visited by royalty in 1942 to honor the brigade's efforts. Post-war, it evolved into a training center and became notable in 1952 as the first center equipped to record emergency calls. The building also served as the headquarters for the Manchester Fire Brigade until 1974, after which the Greater Manchester Fire Service took over, leading to its eventual closure in 1986.

After closing, the building fell into a period of decline and was largely unused, prompting its placement on English Heritage's Buildings at Risk Register in 2001. A significant turning point came in 2010 when Manchester City Council issued a compulsory purchase order to Britannia Hotels, which had left the building derelict for nearly 30 years. The building was finally sold to Allied London in 2015, and in 2018, redevelopment work began to transform the site into a mixed-use facility focusing on leisure and hotel amenities, aiming to restore its historic grandeur and utility.