Early 19th century building was due to be incorporated into 600-bed student housing scheme designed by Hodder & Partners
More than 400 people have signed a petition to rebuild a historic Manchester mill building which was destroyed in a fire last week.
The Hotspur Press building was due to be incorporated into plans for a 37-storey student accommodation tower designed by Hodder & Partners for local developer Manner.
A major incident was declared by the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Monday 23 June after flames rapidly engulfed the mill and spread to some balconies in a neighbouring student block. The blaze saw more than 20 fire engines attend the scene, as well as two aerial units and more than 100 firefighters.
The GMFRS has said some of the surviving structure, which dates to 1801, would need to be demolished.
It comes just over a year after Manchester council unanimously approved Manner’s plans for the site’s 600-bed redevelopment, which would have preserved much of the mill’s exterior including its famous ‘Percy Brothers’ signage.
The petition, launched last week, is calling on the council and “all relevant developers” to commit to rebuilding the mill “faithfully and fully - in its original form”. It has a total of 410 signatures as of today (Monday 30 June).
“The recent fire has robbed Manchester of one of its most iconic and historic buildings, a cornerstone of the city’s skyline and industrial heritage,” the petition says.
”Hotspur Press was not just bricks and mortar — it was a living reminder of the city’s printing legacy, a symbol of Manchester’s character and soul.
“What we don’t need is another anonymous block of luxury flats that serve investors over residents. We are tired of seeing our history erased for profit. We demand that what is rebuilt reflects the identity, memory, and voice of the people who actually live here.”
Manner is yet to respond to the petition.
A spokesperson for the developer described the fire as “horrific”, adding that it had been “truly heartbreaking” to see it spread through the building.
“Over the last two years we have worked conscientiously to develop a plan for the regeneration of The Hotspur Press that would celebrate its rich history and heritage,” Manner said.
“We are absolutely devastated to see the extent of the damage that has been caused, and it is incredibly hard to come to terms with what is now left of this important building.
“Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected, and we thank the fire crews who have worked tirelessly at the scene to bring the fire under control.
The firm said it was assisting the emergency services with the investigation to understand the cause of the fire.
Manner’s scheme has already been hit by an eight-month delay caused by an anonymous application to list the building which was rejected by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport last year.
The developer’s managing director Richard James subsequently criticised the process, saying that it “does not feel right that one anonymous application can lead to eight months of delay and uncertainty”.
Hotspur Press has been vacant since it closed as a printing press in 1996 after 94 years.
1 Readers' comment