Manchester’s Hotspur Press goes up in flames
The derelict mill on Cambridge Street earmarked for redevelopment into a 35-storey student tower has been destroyed by a fire that forced evacuations of nearby buildings and brought city centre transport to a halt.
Hotspur Press in Manchester, a former cotton mill and printing press that has been vacant since the mid-1990s, has been gutted by a blaze that ripped through the building yesterday afternoon.
Twenty fire engines from across Greater Manchester were called to tackle the fire. Oxford Road Station was evacuated, as were two high-rise apartment buildings, while streets close to the building remain cordoned off.
Manner, the developer behind plans to build a student accommodation tower behind the retained façade of the early 19th century mill, was contacted for comment.
Read Place North West’s view on the fire
The site has never been far from the headlines in recent months. Manchester City Council approved Manner’s Hodder+Partners-designed plans for the site last year before an anonymous application to list the building delayed the project by eight months.
The application was turned down earlier this year, a decision Manner described as a “huge win for the local community and the city”.
Manner then applied to make changes to the approved scheme, opting for an aluminium façade instead of brick, a move that was not universally popular.
Absolutely devastating. As always, special thanks to the emergency services.
By Heritage
Its a sad day. You have to question the security arrangements for a known vacant site
By Tomo
Such a shame a historical asset in such a central location was destroyed like this. I hope whatever development plans will be put forward give a nod to the history of Hotspur Press (rebuilding the façade for the main building / entrance perhaps?)
By Anonymous
Any “amended” plans for this site now should be outright rejected, everyone should submit complaints regardless of the quality of the scheme – wanton destruction should not be rewarded by greed.
By Anonymous
This devastating fire was almost predictable. Given recent battles between developers and planners regarding this site, last night’s new came as no surprise. No doubt yet another tower block full of apartments will spring up to satisfy overseas investors. Manchester, so much to answer for.
By Big Des
Get them to rebuild it, brick by brick
By Anonymous