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The reconstruction of Hotspur Press after an inferno nearly destroyed the Georgian mill could begin in 2026, developers have announced.
Manner, which had planning permission to redevelop the building into a 35-storey student tower block when the blaze broke out on 23rd June, has formally asked for new planning permission to rebuild its fire-ravaged sections and construct the new tower and public square.
When will Hotspur Press be rebuilt?
The Hotspur Press burned down last year
The new bid, announced on Wednesday (7th January), confirms redevelopment will keep key parts such as the mill’s facade and iconic ‘Percy Brothers’ signage. If Manchester City Council approves the application swiftly, Manner says it can start work towards the end of 2026.
Managing director Richard James said: “We are delighted to take this major step forward and submit our revised plans that will see the legacy of this iconic site continue. While the fire was a major setback for our ambitions for the site, we have worked closely with our design team to bring forward updated redevelopment plans for The Hotspur Press site.
“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 have continued to consult with the local community who live and work alongside the site, and they remain supportive of our plans and of our vision.”
“We are committed to delivering a scheme that respects and celebrates the history and heritage of The Hotspur Press. “
The new 619-student flat block on Cambridge Street will be clad in bronze, following multiple changes to the scheme by Manner before the fire started.
What happened with Hotspur Mill’s redevelopment?
After initially proposing brick cladding, it asked for permission to switch to silver material, and then bronze. Changes further delayed building, beginning after an application to list the building in 2025 held up the process until January 2025, when Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy rejected the bid.
The former printing press had been crumbling since printing stopped on-site in 1996, with a 2020 bid to convert it into private flats coming to nought.
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