Manchester tips post-fire Hotspur Press proposals for consent

Developer Manner is hopeful of making a start on site this year and could be well on its way to doing so if the city council votes in line with officer recommendation to approve plans for a 35-storey tower with 619 student flats next week.

Manner lodged revised plans for the redevelopment of the former Hotspur Press site in January after much of the historic building was destroyed by a fire last summer.

The updated plans are much the same as the earlier proposals, featuring the same number of storeys and flats as the approved development. The 10,000 sq ft public square and divisive bronze facade, which replaced the original brick, remain.

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.

The proposals have generated 47 objections and two letters of support. Among the objections is one from Manchester Metropolitan University due to a lack of affordable units.

A spokesperson for Manners said: “We welcome the recommendation for approval and the opportunity to bring forward our revised plans for the regeneration of The Hotspur Press.

“Our updated planning application sets out a regeneration scheme that remains true to our original vision, following the setback of the devastating fire the building suffered in 2025. While it is not possible to safely retain the remaining structure, we are committed to a faithful reproduction of the former mill facades. This approach will ensure the historic significance of The Hotspur Press can be appreciated by Manchester’s residents, while bringing it back into productive use for the first time in nearly two decades and delivering the site’s wider regeneration plans.”

Hodder + Partners has designed the project and Turley is leading on planning matters.

To learn more, search for reference number 138805/FO/2023 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.