![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1_DJ_MEN_300321phm_03.jpg\")
The People’s History Museum has sat on the River Irwell in its current guise since 2010(Image: Supplied)<\/p>\nIt attracts 125,000 people every year – but bosses need extra funding to stop the damageThe People’s History Museum has sat on the River Irwell in its current guise since 2010(Image: Supplied)<\/p>\n
One of Manchester\u2019s most-loved attractions is suffering \u2018substantial damages to its building\u2019, bosses have confirmed.<\/p>\n
The People\u2019s History Museum (PHM) is rated as TripAdvisor\u2019s sixth-best \u2018thing to do\u2019 in Manchester, bringing in more than 125,000 visitors annually.<\/p>\n
Despite its popularity, the Spinningfields<\/a> museum has suffered from \u2018persistent leaks that are causing substantial damage to the building fabric\u2019, caused by an ageing roof, a new planning application reveals.<\/p>\n Get news, views and analysis of the biggest stories with the daily Mancunian Way newsletter – sign up <\/strong>here<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Although PHM has applied for planning permission to re-roof the grade-II listed Edwardian pump house, bosses say they cannot go ahead with the work unless they get necessary \u2018capital funding\u2019 \u2014 giving them an anxious wait to see if the roof can be repaired.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople\u2019s History Museum has filed a tentative planning application for repairs to the roof of our Edwardian Pump House building in Spinningfields. This will only be possible if we can secure the capital funding required for the project,\u201d a spokesperson said.<\/p>\n \u201cOpened in 1909, the Pump House is the last remaining hydraulic power station in Manchester, once supplying power to civic buildings, mills and warehouses. Designated by Historic England as a Grade II listed building in 1992, it is recognised as a \u2018very unusual survival\u2019.<\/p>\n \u201cPHM is committed to preserving this remarkable building and securing its future for all to enjoy. As an independent charity, the museum relies on donations and fundraising to support these ambitions.\u201d<\/p>\n Specifically, the museum needs to \u2018strip and re-roofing the historic pitched roofs, repair and replace all structural timber\u2019, \u2018renew asphalt flat roofs where possible\u2019, and carry out \u2018high level masonry repairs to string courses, weather<\/a> courses, and parapets\u2019, the planning application said.<\/p>\n The bid was submitted last week, just days before PHM confirmed it will host festive markets next month.<\/p>\n Makers Markets will take over the Engine Hall from November 21-23, with a \u2018Winter Warmer\u2019 launch event taking place on the evening of November 20. Guests can enjoy live music, pop up workshops, a glass of mulled wine, and a chance to preview the stalls for a \u00a310 ticket.<\/a><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_Winter-Warmer-at-Peoples-History-Museum-1-Image-courtesy-of-Peoples-History-Museum.jpg\")
(Image: People’s History Museum)<\/p>\n