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Regeneration of derelict mill delayed again

Ethan Davies
Local Democracy Reporting Service
MattHarrop/Geograph An old rebrick building with 'The Hotspur Press' attached to the front in large white lettersMattHarrop/Geograph
Hotspur Press, also known as Medlock Mill, has been abandoned since it shut down as a printing press in 1996

The regeneration of a Victorian city centre mill has been delayed.

Hotspur Press, also known as Medlock Mill, in Manchester has been derelict since shutting down as a printing press in 1996.

Initial plans to convert it into a 171-home, 28-storey apartment block fell through in 2020, with a new developer, Manner, taking the historic structure on.

The firm's plan to build a 36-storey student tower was given planning permission in May 2024, but it has changed the design twice since then and has had to resubmit its proposals to planners.

LDRS Images of the proposed new 15-story block plan for the Hotspur Press. The tower extending from the original structure is clad in bronze coloured metal.LDRS
The redesigned proposals will now be submitted to Manchester council

The new student tower was initially clad in redbrick s, but this was changed earlier this year to be anodised metal, appearing to be grey-silver.

Manner has now revised its plans for the building to include a bronze finish on the exterior.

The firm has repeatedly denied the change was made to make more profit.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands the new metal finish will cost more than the brick cladding, but it is not known if this is due to inflation from last year to 2025.

Manner boss Richard James said: "Through the consultation process we wanted to listen and take on board to ensure we bring forward a proposal for The Hotspur Press that local people and the city can enjoy for years to come."

The redesigned proposals will now be submitted to Manchester City Council.

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