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Parts of the fire-damaged Hotspur Press are set to be rebuilt following the devastating blaze last summer.
Emergency services were called to the historic Georgian building on the afternoon of 23 June. The fire engulfed the remaining parts of Medlock Mill, which had been left in a state of disrepair after being abandoned for many years since its closure as a printing press in 1996.
Earlier attempts to revitalise the building had failed to gain momentum, but a 2023 proposal to incorporate its facade into a 35-storey student accommodation tower by Manner was granted planning permission in May 2024.
The process was delayed due to an application to list the building, which was eventually rejected by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in January 2025. Despite this, construction work did not commence as Manner decided to change its design from brick cladding to metal-finish cladding in May 2025.
Now, with the structure reduced to ruins, the developer has provided the first update on its plans for the Press.
Manner has confirmed it will adhere to the original plans for a student tower and has committed to preserving the sections of the mill that were intended to be retained in the already-approved designs.
Richard James, Managing Director at Manner, commented: "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."
A brick edifice will be erected up to the fourth floor, mirroring the original mill's appearance, with 'any materials that can be reused' being 'incorporated into the new scheme'. The iconic Hotspur Press and Percy Brothers signs 'will also be remade and reinstated in original positions'.
Stephen Hodder, founder of Hodder + Partners, added: "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."
Manner stated that a new planning application is set to be submitted to Manchester council by the end of 2025, with redevelopment anticipated to commence within a year if given the green light.
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The proposals as viewed from First Street
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