Manchester’s landmark Hotspur Press is set for a major transformation after a new developer secured permission to redevelop the long-disused site. The former printing mill will be converted into a 595-bedroom student accommodation complex, with ten percent of the units dedicated to affordable housing.
The redevelopment will preserve the building’s historic exterior, including the distinctive ‘Percy Brothers’ sign. The new structure will feature a 37-storey tower, incorporating commercial spaces and a 10,000 sq ft public square that will be accessible to the local community for the first time.
Additional enhancements include the introduction of green spaces, tree planting, and improvements to the nearby River Medlock area. The scheme is projected to contribute £3.6 million to Manchester’s economy, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Richard James, head of developer Manner, shared insights during the council planning meeting where the proposal was approved unanimously. “I believe Hotspur Press will always be more than just a building. It stands as a connection between [Manchester’s] industrial history and its future. The Hotspur Press possesses all the ingredients and a rare opportunity to achieve that [economic and social progress],” he said.
Public support for the proposal has been noted from residents in MacIntosh Village and Chorlton Mill. Commercial units on the ground floor and nearby railway arches are planned to be made available for independent operators.
The latest approval follows a previously stalled plan for a 171-home, 28-storey residential tower that never commenced. Manner unveiled plans for the student housing in December 2023 and revised them to slightly reduce the height and width of the tower while adding another floor, increasing the number of student bedrooms from 578 to 595.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2025, with completion slated for the 2028 academic year.
The redevelopment of Hotspur Press is poised to bridge Manchester’s storied industrial past with its future, providing much-needed student housing and community amenities. The project promises economic and social benefits, revitalising a historic site that has long been in disrepair.
