Hotspur Press regeneration plans revealed following devastating fire
- Featured Image: Wikimedia
Plans to redevelop Manchester’s historic Hotspur Press building will move forward, despite the extensive damage caused by a fire last year.
The Hotspur Press building, which stands on the site of a former mill, has long been part of the city’s industrial and publishing heritage. From 1933 to 1981, the building was home to the Percy Brothers, where the magazine was printed.
Major fire causes severe structural damage
In June 2025, a large fire started at the empty Hotspur Press building, prompting a significant emergency services response. Fire crews attended the scene for several hours as the blaze cause extensive damage to the historic building.
Following detailed structural assessments, it was concluded that the remaining buildings on the site were unsafe and would need to be taken down. The developer, Manner, has said that any materials that can be safely salvaged will be reused as part of the regeneration, ensuing a physical link to the history of the site.
The fire prompted widespread public concern about the future of the site, with fears that the history of the building would be lost.
Public reaction
In the aftermath of the fire, a Change.org petition was launched calling for the Hotspur Press to be restored to its original form.
The petition says: “The recent fire has robbed Manchester of one of its most iconic and historic buildings, a cornerstone of the city’s skyline and industrial heritage.
“We demand that what is rebuilt reflects the identity, memory and voice of the people who actually live here”, objecting against the mooted construction of a new luxury apartment building.
The petition attracted significant public support, with 1,385 signatures.
Rebuilding a city landmark
Image: The Hotspur Press
Manner’s proposals include the construction of a brick building up to the fourth floor, designed to replicate the appearance of the original building. Above this structure will sit a 35-storey bronze student accommodation tower.
The developers have committed to rebuilding the structure fronting Cambridge Street, as well as those facing the River Medlock and the railway arches. The historic Hotspur Press and Percy Brothers signs will also be remade and restored.
Plans also include a new 10,000 square foot public square and landscaped pedestrian routes linking Cambridge Street and First Street.
Image: The Hotspur Press
Iconic building
The site is owned by MCR Property, with Manner acting as the developer.
Richard James, managing director of Manner said: “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”.
Hodder and Partners have been reinstated to lead the design alongside Heritage Architecture.
Founding director Stephen Hodder said: “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”.
Next steps
Manner is expected to submit its updated plans to Manchester City Council before the end of this year, with a planning decision anticipated in Spring 2026. Subject to approval, redevelopment work is expected to begin by the end of the year.