In May 2024, our planning application to regenerate The Hotspur Press was unanimously approved by Manchester City Council’s Planning Committee.

Our plans were then delayed following an anonymous application to list the building which was dismissed in January 2025.

The listing bid led to a delay in the delivery programme. However, this gave us the opportunity to review our design and allowed us to explore further improvements.

We are now moving forward with the next stage of the planning process with the City Council.

Design evolution

In April we submitted updated plans to Manchester City Council which included a change to the residential tower’s façade material and colour.

The tower featured a natural anodised aluminium façade set above the existing mill, introducing a contemporary element above the historic brick structure to create a greater contrast between the existing building and the new tower.

It also provides a visual separation and allows The Hotspur Press to remain the dominant feature at street level.

We continued to work closely with Manchester City Council on our design and have held meetings with local resident groups to discuss options for the finish to the tower.

Taking their views into account, we have updated the finish of the residential tower to bronze.

Stephen Hodder, project architect and founding director of Hodder and Partners, said: “The bronze finish will accentuate the depth and richness of the façade while still allowing a visual separation from the heritage asset on the site – ensuring the old and the new elements remain connected. 

“The bronze façade is exceptional, and we have remained committed to detail. Its tonal quality is more appropriate for the wider context of the neighbouring Mackintosh Village, whilst retaining the design ambition of clearly articulating new from old. 

“This well-considered design will ensure that The Hotspur Press speaks to the way that the Manchester skyline is evolving. Like The Hotspur Press there are some fantastic examples of buildings where the differentiation between old and new structures is illustrated – here in Manchester and further afield.” 

The revised design has been submitted to Manchester City Council.

The future

We now look forward and reaffirm our commitment made to the community and the city on the regeneration of The Hotspur Press. Our plans include:

• A community-focused, well-lit, 10,000sq ft public square and walking link to First Street.  

• 619 student rooms. 

• Thriving independent businesses promoted that will bring a special character and energy to the area within the ground floor of the building and the railway arches. 

• Landscaping to the public realm, planting new trees and with the ambition to enhance the adjacent River Medlock – enriching the wildlife and biodiversity of the area. 

• Preserving the iconic Percy Brothers signage and restoring much of the existing brick exterior. 

• An ambition to work with the local community to further enhance the Cambridge Street area and neighbouring mill community.