Hotspur Press left a smoking ruin by major fire

A building on the site of what was believed to be Manchester's oldest mill is now a smouldering ruin after a major fire.

The Hotspur Press building on Cambridge Street, close to Manchester Oxford Road railway station, was destroyed by a fire on Monday, leading to its partial collapse.

The Victorian structure had fallen into a dilapidated state since the printing press closed down in 1996, and stood in contrast with some of the modern city blocks surrounding it.

However, despite a number of delays, it had been earmarked for a major development scheme.

Opened in the 1800s on the banks of the River Medlock, the building started life as a cotton mill, known as Medlock Mill.

It was later repurposed as a printing press in 1902, and remained in business for 94 years.

After years of failed attempts to redevelop the site, London-based developer Manner took on the building in 2020, and began working on new plans.

Last May, the firm was given planning permission from Manchester City Council to turn the building into a 37 storey, 595 bed block of student flats.

But the scheme was delayed after Manner twice changed its designs, and earlier this month said it was planning to submit fresh proposals to the council.

The firm had vowed to "draw on the historical roots of the site" for the project, which would have involved some of the original building being demolished.

While the original application for planning permission was granted, it attracted opposition from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) over the lack of affordable units.

MMU had told councillors it had concerns that less than 20% of units would have been available at a discounted rent and also "the predominance of studio units which are less affordable than cluster units".

But in a report to the planning committee, council officials also wrote it was estimated the development would add £3.6m to the local economy.

The report, in May 2024, added: "This proposal would redevelop a derelict and vacant, low quality brownfield site close to the Oxford Road Corridor."

The proposed student tower was initially intended to be clad in redbrick panels, but that was changed earlier this year to be anodised metal, appearing to be grey-silver.

Manner had since revised its plans for the building to include a bronze finish on the exterior.

The firm denied the change was related to its profit margins, with Manner boss Richard James telling the BBC in June that the firm "wanted to listen and take on board feedback".

Manner has confirmed it is aware of the fire but has yet to comment further.

GMFRS said on Monday evening it had deployed 20 fire engines to the fire, including two aerial units.

It said the fire spread to a neighbouring apartment building,1 Cambridge Street, which was evacuated.

An investigation into the cause of the fire was expected to begin on Tuesday.