The proposed tower, a student accommodation scheme incorporating 578 bedrooms on Gloucester Street, was unanimously approved by Manchester City Council’s planning committee on Thursday (30 May).

The new tower for developer Manner will sit behind the city’s former Hotspur Press, a historic building originally built as a cotton mill, which closed in 1996 and was described by one Manchester councillor as ‘extremely popular’ locally. The landmark building will be redeveloped as part of the scheme. 

The project includes partially demoli،ng the early 19th century building, which is currently derelict and in a state of severe disrepair, while restoring its historic façade and signage. 

While Manchester planning officers acknowledged that the demolition would ‘destroy’ part of Manchester’s history, they recommended the scheme for approval, concluding it represented ‘the only form of development that would deliver a viable use’ for the site.

The project also includes the introduction of a new public square connecting the tower to First Street and other public realm improvements.

The proposals were first revealed in October 2023 by Manner, which specialises in city-centre ،using, after a previous residential scheme for the site ،ned planning permission in 2018 but stalled in 2020.

A design and access statement explains that the building was changed to purpose-built student accommodation following ‘changes in regulations post-Grenfell that require a second stair for escape, which was not provided in the consented scheme’.

Regarding the part-demolition of the Hotspur Press, Manchester planning officers said in a report that the plans would ‘destroy a beautiful building and a key part of Manchester history’.

The report explained: ‘Even t،ugh the façade is being retained, removing the roof and extending a skys،er out of the top will ruin the character of the building.’

However, officers had concluded that the harm caused would be necessary to ensure the scheme’s viability, bringing ‘substantial public benefits’ and securing the site’s ‘wider ،ential in urban design terms’.

Officers said the scheme’s benefits included the delivery of ‘much-needed’ student accommodation and the development of a ‘derelict site in urgent need of investment’.

The scheme was approved subject to a Section 106 legal agreement to secure affordable student ،using in the tower.

The approval follows previous plans submitted by Hodder + Partners in September proposing the addition of two extra floors to Gary Neville’s already consented but contentious St Michael’s tower scheme in Manchester.

Stephen Hodder told the AJ: ‘The regeneration of Hotspur Press is more than a building, more than purpose-built student accommodation.

‘It connects Manchester’s industrial heritage with its future and, together with the new public realm on the site of the former weaving sheds, will become a focus for the wider community.’