A devastating flood at an old mill in Rochdale has left several small businesses facing financial ruin, with many forced to close indefinitely. The incident occurred at Fieldhouse Industrial Estate on Tuesday, June 2, when a burst water pipe flooded the basement of the historic mill, causing extensive damage and disrupting operations.
Businesses Struggle After Flood
The floodwaters, estimated at around 9 million litres, triggered fire alarms and forced the evacuation of all businesses on site. Power and water supplies were cut off, leaving tenants unable to operate. While electricity has been restored to some units, running water remains unavailable, making it difficult for many to reopen.
Sam Hopley, owner of Wallpaper Base, described the ordeal: "There was about 9m litres of water in the basement. It seems it came from a burst water pipe. The water triggered the fire alarm, and that meant everyone got evacuated. The flood water reached the height of the electricity cables, which then flooded the substation and knocked off the power."
Hopley reported losing thousands of pounds in income as he had to turn away customers. He operates both online and in-store but has been unable to access his unit. The landlord, Bizspace, has not provided compensation or alternative sites, advising tenants to claim on their insurance policies. Hopley expressed frustration: "I have had a lot of customers I’ve had to turn away. I have probably lost thousands in income as a result of this."
Landlord Criticized for Lack of Support
Several business owners have criticized Bizspace for insufficient support. Carol Jackson, who runs the Bright 'n' Breezy snack bar, reopened on June 8 despite the lack of water to try to recover some losses. She said: "At the moment the electricity is back but we have no water. I have managed to open but needs must for me as it has financially nearly ruined me. As a small business it is devastating."
Jackson, aged 62, added: "I have been thinking over this weekend whether I should reopen. But I am 62, how am I going to get a job? I can’t make a living from fresh air. It’s a case of needs must. I am not a millionaire, I run a small business to make a living."
Businesses were told to rely on insurance, but some have lost stock ruined by the flood and power outage. The uncertainty has left many in limbo, with no clear timeline for full reopening. Hopley noted: "The landlord hasn’t given any indication as to when the mill will reopen. We could reopen this week or we may be told we are closing forever."
Emergency Response and Future Outlook
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) attended the scene, evacuating the building as a precaution. A spokesperson said: "Just before 12pm on Tuesday, June 2, fire crews from Rochdale, Chadderton, and Littleborough attended reports of a flood at a business on Fieldhouse Industrial Estate. Flooding was found in the basement of the building and it was evacuated as a precaution. No injuries were reported and fire crews were on the scene for approximately four hours."
The site is expected to fully reopen on Thursday, June 11, but this has not been confirmed by Bizspace. The company has not responded to requests for comment. Meanwhile, the affected businesses are trying to support each other, but the financial impact is severe. Jackson summed up the mood: "We are all trying to support each other. But there are around 70 businesses and everyone is facing different challenges. But I know everyone has lost money. It’s just wrong when you are just trying to make a living. I could seriously just cry."
