Revised scheme for Hotspur Press again drawn up by Hodder + Partners
Revised proposals for an historic mill building in Manchester to be turned into a student residential tower have been given planning by the city council.
Developer Manner already had permission to deliver 595 student bedrooms at the former cotton mill and printing press, which dates back to 1801, called The Hotspur Press.
But last June a blaze broke out at the site which was so severe that more than 20 fire engines attended, as well as two aerial units and more than 100 firefighters.
In November, the developer announced it was still committed to the scheme and unveiled an updated design “that remains true to its most recent proposals for the city centre site in Manchester”.
It added: “The plans will see the construction of a brick building up to the fourth floor which replicates the appearance and architecture of the mill, with a high-quality 35 storey bronze student accommodation tower above.”
Manner said the elevations that were due to be retained in the most recent proposals will be rebuilt, including the east elevation fronting Cambridge Street, which is no longer standing, and the elevations facing the River Medlock and the railway arches. The Hotspur Press and Percy Brothers [who turned it into a printing press in 1902] signs will also be remade and reinstated in original positions, the developer said.
The proposals have again been drawn up by local practice Hodder + Partners.
The architect’s founding director Stephen Hodder said: “[The] regeneration will provide a faithful reinstatement of the elevations of The Hotspur Press and will replicate many of the mill’s architectural features and a new public square.”
The project team for Manner’s scheme also include planning consultant Turley, QS Gardiner & Theobald and services engineer Applied Energy.
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