Govt opts not to list Manchester’s Hotspur Press
It has been decided that the former mill and printing press on Gloucester Street is not worthy of protected status, paving the way for its redevelopment into a 37-storey student tower.
The Department for Culture Media and Sport informed developer Manner today [Friday] that it would not be listing Hotspur Press on the recommendation of Historic England, clearing the path for work to start on site.
The 600-bed scheme, already approved by Manchester City Council, was cast into doubt last year when an anonymous individual applied to have it listed.
In response, Manner launched a counter campaign, which has now prevailed.
Richard James, managing director at Manner, said: “This is a huge win for the local community and the city, who in partnership with Manner, have made their collective voices heard.
“I want to thank the 822 residents, councillors, business leaders and Manchester City Council who supported our campaign to save The Hotspur Press and allow its regeneration to go ahead.”
The building is decaying. Credit: PNW
Historic England had refused to list Hotspur Press once before. In 2019, the organisation concluded in 2019 that the building, vacant since 2017, did not meet the threshold for architectural or historic interest required for it to receive protected status.
James, while pleased that the same conclusion was reached six years on, was rueful about the delay the inquiry had caused.
He added: “We thank DCMS for their decision not to list The Hotspur Press. However, it does not feel right that one anonymous application can lead to eight months of delay and uncertainty.
“We now look forward and reaffirm our commitment made to the community, the city and the regeneration of this iconic building.”
Manner’s plans, designed by Hodder + Partners, will see the majority of the dilapidated structure pulled down to make way for the student tower.
The Percy Brothers signage will be retained and a 10,000 sq ft public square created.
The correct decision
By Anonymous
Great news, there are very few buildings in Manchester worthy of listed status, Hotspur Mill is certainly not one of them
By Anonymous
Eight months delay in this development because of one anonymous application. This just sums up what is wrong with the planning system. Hopefully this kind of nonsense will be sorted out by the Government.
By Anonymous
It’s a little ridiculous that it was refused listing not very long ago and an ‘anonymous individual’ can apply again. Last time I check vexatious and without merit listing attempts to prevent development can (and should) be litigated against.
By Anonymous
So another old building goes to be replaced by generic brick clad eyesore box?
By Roberta Upton
As mills go, it is relatively ordinary. It is an eyesore,and should be restored or bulldozed, not just left in a prime location to rot. What is replacing it is bland and boring, so let’s hope if they knock it down completely, they improve the current plans.
By Elephant
@roberta, a significant portion of the original Hotspur press façade is being retained. Derelict buildings like this are money pits unless you drastically increase the floor area, the scheme is unviable. Profit seems to be a dirty word but if there is no profit to be made, no developer will be willing to invest in it, the building is left to rot and collapse, lost to history. Building ‘generic brick eyesore box’ extensions are a necessary evil to save these kinds of property. Personally, I think the design is really quite appropriate and fitting with the original building. Better than a chequered glass rectangle……but that’s just my opinion.
By Egg
The building is decaying or the building has been left to decay by the owners?
By Anonymous
@Roberta 2:36pm. . Did you read the article? It’s falling down and this keeps some of it
By Clouded Leopard
Good. It’s incredibly frustrating that a single anonymous NIMBY has caused so much unnecessary delay and wasted time. Now, let’s get building!
By Andee
Sorry Roberta – the proposed development is the only route to saving this building. Just have a look at the planning application that was approved.
By Anonymous
Great. Will the site public realm connect to First Street?
By Albert
Great news. Now get it developed.
By Steve
Fantastic news. As others point out, the real crime here is how one person can hold back a building with no basis behind their claim – in fact, one that is so pointless as the same attempt was made a few years earlier and rejected then.
By EOD
Looking forward to the development become yet another impressive landmark for Manchester that is rapidly becoming the most impressive and economically vibrant growing city in the country …long may it last!!
By Damian