Historic city centre building to be SAVED following public outcry

The Hotspur Press mill WILL be saved by developers after the government decided NOT to list the building.

The mill’s future had been in doubt for some months after an application was made to list the former printing press, which has been unused since 1996. In that 25 years, the Cambridge Street icon has fallen into dereliction — and multiple regeneration attempts failed to get off the ground.

Most notably, a 2020 plan to build a 28-storey tower around the building, officially called Medlock Mill, secured planning permission but never came to fruition.

Hotspur Press mill

New developers Manner took the project on in December 2023, and got the council’s approval last summer to build a 36-storey student housing tower, with space for 595 bedrooms, plus a new public square all while retaining the press’ facade and signage.

However, builders haven’t been able to touch the decaying structure as an unknown individual applied for it to be a listed building, stopping work from starting.

Now, after several months’ wait, the culture secretary Lisa Nandy has decided NOT to list the building, paving the way for redevelopment to begin.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy

A letter from her office sent on Thursday (January 30) said: “The Secretary of State has decided that the Medlock Mill (Hotspur Press) building does not possess the special historic or architectural interest to merit listing under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

“In reaching this decision, the Secretary of State has noted that there remains uncertainty about the date of construction of the surviving fabric at Medlock Mill, and that for buildings from 1700 to 1850, while most buildings that retain a significant proportion of their original fabric are likely to be regarded as of special interest, some selection is necessary.”

A win for the city?

Richard James, managing director at Manner, said:  it was ‘a huge win for the local community and the city’.

He added: “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.

“We also 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.”

You can find out more about Hotspur Press Mill by clicking here