£40K cost of demolishing fire-hit former Hyde bingo hall

Knocking down a former Hyde bingo hall ravaged by fire cost £40,000, it has been revealed.

The derelict Astoria on Clarendon Street went up in flames on the evening of February 24.

The site, which has been empty since 2009, was destroyed in the blaze.

Once the fire was extinguished, emergency demolition works were required in order to make the area safe for the public.

Council papers read: “The Council will initially incur costs up to approximately £0.040m (£40,000) in undertaking the demolition works and associated staff time, traffic management measures, provision of security and fencing.

“Liaison has occurred with the landowner of the site who has confirmed his agreement for the demolition works to be undertaken by the council’s contractor, given the building’s unsafe condition and urgent need for demolition to commence.”

Council papers confirmed that all costs will be recovered by the local authority through land charges. 

The bus station had to be closed whilst the works were carried out.

Speaking after Hyde Bus Station reopened, Danny Vaughan, chief network officer at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “I’m pleased to confirm that we will be reopening Hyde Bus Station tomorrow (Wednesday), with services to operate as normal from the start of the day.

“We realise that the bus station closure will have caused some disruption for passengers but people’s safety is always our priority and on this occasion we had no option but to close the bus station while the demolition took place.

“I’d like to thank passengers for their patience and co-operation while this work was carried out.”