However, the site of the collapse on Stamford Street Central remains secured by hoardings. With poster printing having taken place to warn of the still dangerous area, the Institution of Structural Engineers (ISE) said the locally important building could have been saved.
The collapse, which was witnessed and filmed by shocked onlookers, came down as workmen in a cherry picker inspected the fabric of the building.
With the video showing the workers prodding at wooden beams, the ISE claimed the contractors did not have an adequate level of experience to work on such an important building.
The body's director of engineering and technical services, Sarah Fray, said:
“When the gentleman with the crowbar went at it just the weight of that brought the whole face of the building down.”
Fray continued to explain there were clear Signs that an imminent collapse was possible, and that an expert assessment could have seen the building saved.
However, with the recent wall collapse in Scotland which killed a schoolgirl still fresh in the minds of many, she did congratulate the workers on cordoning off the area and their approach to safety.
Proudly displaying a blue plaque before its collapse, poet Francis Thompson lived in the property from 1854 to 1885. The plaque has been recovered and is being held by Tameside Council.Get a Free Quote for Signs