Manner has been backed by the government to proceed with their 595-bedroom purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Manchester.
It comes after a bid was made by an anonymous individual to list the building and block the scheme, leaving the decision to the government. However, this has now been dismissed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
However, the impact the application to list the building and the delay in making a decision has had on Manner has been ‘significant’. It had stalled progress for nine months almost immediately after the planning application received unanimous approval by Manchester City Council’s planning committee on 30 May last year. The building, which has stood derelict since 2017, has deteriorated further.
The plans, from Hodder & Partners, will also see a new community-focused 10,000 sq ft public square, landscaping to the public realm and commercial space on the ground floor.
The Hotspur Press was built and operated as a Cotton Mill, before it later became a printing press. It has always been revered by the local community and is still seen, today, as an integral part of the city centre.
“This is a huge win for the local community and the City, who in partnership with Manner, have made their collective voices heard. 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.”
Richard James, Managing Director, Manner
Others working on the scheme include planning consultant Turley, QS Gardiner & Theobald, heritage architect Stephen Levrant and services engineer Applied Energy.
