Hotspur Press Set for Demolition and Reconstruction in Manchester
Hotspur Press, a historic Georgian mill in Manchester, is scheduled for complete demolition this year after a devastating fire in June 2025. Developers have announced plans to rebuild the structure with a faithful reproduction of its original facades.
Revised Plans and Council Approval
Manner, the developer behind the project, had initially secured planning permission to construct a 35-storey student accommodation block around the mill's existing facades. However, the fire last summer rendered the facades unsafe for retention. In January, Manner submitted revised plans, which were recommended for approval by Manchester City Council on March 5.
The council confirmed that the mill facades cannot be preserved due to fire damage and will be demolished. They will be reconstructed in a replicated form using new materials, maintaining the same dimensions as the original structure. A spokesperson for Manner stated, "We are committed to a faithful reproduction of the former mill facades."
Project Details and Historical Context
The new development will feature a 619-student accommodation tower on Cambridge Street, clad in bronze. This follows multiple changes to the cladding materials proposed by Manner prior to the fire, including shifts from brick to silver and then bronze. The project also includes plans for a public square around the site, which remain unchanged.
Hotspur Press has faced numerous redevelopment attempts since its closure as a printing press in 1996. A 2020 bid to convert it into private flats, although granted planning permission, did not proceed. The latest efforts were delayed by a listing application in 2025, which was rejected by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in January 2025.
Future Steps and Community Impact
Manner aims to commence demolition and reconstruction in 2026, bringing the site back into productive use after nearly two decades of inactivity. The developer emphasized that this approach will allow Manchester residents to appreciate the historic significance of Hotspur Press while advancing wider regeneration plans for the area.
The proposal will be debated by Manchester's planning committee on March 12 at 2pm. This decision marks a significant step in the ongoing redevelopment of Manchester's architectural heritage, balancing preservation with modern urban needs.
