News

Turley secures approval on plans for The Hotspur Press

Plans to redevelop The Hotspur Press have been unanimously approved by Manchester City Council’s Planning Committee.

We provided expert Planning, EIA and Economics services to Manner on the scheme, which will preserve much of the existing brick exterior, celebrate the heritage of the building and includes 595 student bedrooms across a 37-storey tower, a new public square and connected public realm improvements for the wider community. 

 

As well as restoring the historic façade of this iconic building, the approved plans will: 

•  Create a new community-focused public square.  
• Promote thriving independent businesses that will bring a special character and energy to the area within the ground floor of the building and the railway arches. 
• Landscape the public realm, planting new trees and with the ambition to enhance the adjacent River Medlock – enriching the wildlife and biodiversity of the area. 

Over recent months, Manner has been engaging with the local community to help shape and develop its plans for the public realm within its development footprint, as well as exploring ideas of ways to celebrate the cultural heritage of The Hotspur Press and the surrounding redeveloped mill buildings. 

 

Manner is now actively looking for independent operators to occupy the building’s ground floor commercial space and is targeting organisations that fit with the developer’s aspirations for The Hotspur Press and that will bring something different to the neighbourhood.   

 

In addition, Manner is in contact with nearby building operators and other partners in the city to explore how the development can act as a catalyst to further improve pedestrian links and connections across this part of the city centre. 

 

Richard James, Managing Director of Manner, said:

“We are delighted to have secured planning permission for the redevelopment of The Hotspur Press. 

 

“We are confident the redevelopment and the creation of a new public square, independent outlets and public art, will be a fantastic addition to this part of the city centre – delivering a range of benefits for the local community as well as much needed accommodation for students. 

 

“As we prepare for the construction phase to get underway, we will continue our engagement with the local community and help facilitate opportunities to develop plans that will celebrate the historical and cultural significance of this part of the city centre.” 

 

Construction is anticipated to get fully underway on The Hotspur Press in early 2025, with completion due for the 2028 academic year. 

3 June 2024