THE HOTSPUR PRESS - DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Improved plans for The Hotspur Press on Cambridge Street have been submitted to Manchester City Council

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.

We are now moving forward with the next stage of the planning process with the City Council and have made some design improvements to the plans.

The most notable change is to the appearance of the residential tower to a more contemporary aesthetic.

We feel this creates 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 have also been able to reduce the height of the residential tower by two storeys (5.7m). These design developments have enabled us to slightly increase the number of student study bedrooms from 595 to 619.

These updates to the planning application have now been submitted to the City Council.

The future  

We now look forward and reaffirm our commitment made to the community, the city and the regeneration of The Hotspur Press, which includes celebrating both its heritage and future: 

  • 619 student rooms. 

  • A community-focused 10,000sq ft public square.  

  • 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 

Community engagement

Our conversations with local residents have been incredibly influential, from submitting the planning application in December 2023 to its unanimous approval by Manchester City Council in May 2024.

We will continue to consult with the community and for residents to have their say.

As we progress, this feedback will help us to better understand how we can make the best possible contribution to the local neighbourhood and ensure the construction process is carefully managed to minimise disruption.  

About Manner

Manner's roots are firmly established in the development of regenerative city centre projects. Working with local communities and stakeholders, we’re driven by a vision to transform outmoded buildings into exceptional places that will carve the trajectory of the urban landscape for generations to come.  

We understand the importance of heritage assets such as The Hotspur Press and our track record speaks to an unwavering dedication to deliver buildings of the highest architectural integrity, which respect the historical significance of their local areas, yet embrace modern city living. 

Acting as both Developer and Operator, we take a long-term approach, meaning we value the importance of building strong relationships with local residents, ensuring we create places which are deeply rooted in their neighbourhoods and that enable diverse communities to flourish. In doing so, we recognise the positive Regenerative Value Creation this can deliver for our people, places and planet. 

Contact us

If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please get in touch: enquiries@hotspurpressmanchester.co.uk