Hotspur Press regen emerges from ashes after blaze
Developer Manner has worked up revised proposals for the site of the former mill destroyed in a fire in June that will see parts of the building that were due to be retained recreated in a scheme that features a 35-storey tower.
Manner has reaffirmed its commitment to the scheme almost five months on from the fire that ripped through the building. During that time, the developer has been working with architect Hodder + Partners to get the project back on track.
Like the earlier approved scheme, the updated plans feature a 35-storey tower with 619 student flats.
The tower’s bronze facade, which was not universally popular among commentators, many of whom preferred the earlier brick design, remains.
Some elements of the former mill, including the recognisable Percy Brothers and The Hotspur Press signage, had been due to for retention. However, they were destroyed in the fire.
The updated plans feature the recreation of the elevations facing the River Medlock, the railway arches, and Cambridge Street. The signs will also be recreated.
Stephen Hodder, founding director of Hodder + Partners, said: “Together with Heritage Architecture we have forensically examined the elevations that have been lost and their detail.
“The revised proposals entail a reinstatement of these as faithfully as is possible, using traditional handmade bricks, a traditional brick bond and replicating many of the mill’s architectural features.
“We will ensure that The Hotspur Press building lives on as a major landmark in the city.”
The 10,000 sq ft public square, a feature of the earlier plans, remains part of the latest proposal.
Richard James, managing director at Manner, said: “After such a tragic period for The Hotspur Press, we are pleased to be able to continue this iconic building’s legacy by delivering on our most recent vision for the site.
“We remain fully committed to the city and the local community through the regeneration and renewal of this iconic building.
“At the heart of our proposals is our commitment to deliver a scheme that respects and celebrates the history and heritage of The Hotspur Press. We believe our considerate approach, which is being guided by a heritage framework, is entirely befitting of this site’s prominence, history and iconic status.”
All remaining structures on the site will need to be knocked down to pave the way for the development, although some materials could be reused, according to Manner.
Manner plans to submit its updated proposals to Manchester City Council before the end of the year, with a decision anticipated next spring.
If the plans are approved, redevelopment work is expected to start by the end of next year.
Looking forward to the comments section on this one
By Anonymous
We’ve reached a familiar outcome: a token fragment of the original structure, an updated application wrapped in the well-worn narrative of “this is the best we could do,” and a nod to heritage policy that feels more like a checkbox than a commitment.
Is the scheme now cheaper to build? Officially, no, but viability calculations have a way of making things “just” work. And while no one is arguing that every old building in Manchester must be preserved, we should ask: what do we lose when decay becomes the excuse for erasure? This structure may have been tired, but tiredness is not the same as worthlessness.
The pattern is clear – heritage is acknowledged, then compromised, then quietly erased. If this playbook continues unchecked, Manchester risks trading its layered identity for a bland uniformity. Heritage isn’t about freezing the past; it’s about weaving it into the future. When we reduce it to a token gesture, we diminish the city’s story and its soul.
By Steve5839
They should have changed the cladding to red, orange and yellow to pay ‘considerate’ homage to its recent history
By The cheek of it
“The revised proposals entail a reinstatement of these as faithfully as is possible, using traditional handmade bricks, a traditional brick bond and replicating many of the mill’s architectural features” – mate, it’s lame at best and why not use actual bricks (known to withstand extreme heat) from the site. The mill as we knew it had roof lines not a flat roof so this just now looks Disney not MCR. A sad mess. Hodder – please go and make a sad mess in another city as we’d rather you did not continue to fk with our skyline!
By Fking hell
The application needs to be carefully reviewed at this point. The original permission being for residential. A lot of time has passed and we now have additional PBSA directly in this neighbourhood. And we have Student IQ and MMU halls applications. The density of single type of accommodation is perhaps over the tipping point. The new plans and attempts to pastiche old brick and render would risk not working. Any impacts on profitability before affordable homes and S106 must deduct the impact of the land owners actions to make a fair playing field. Nearby residents must have their say and the cumulative density of PBSA must be addressed. The area will be hollowed out and empty for more than three months each year. Any business that sets up (even within the development) would need a business model based on 9 months of the year due to students being away for at lease 3 months of the year. Sorry but this needs very careful assessment. Residential would be welcome at this juncture.
By Ian Hollins
One of the oldest mills in Manchester going back to the 1700s lost to more carp.the developer is known… We see .. Manchester will no longer be Manchester sooner rather than later
By Anonymous