A petition has been launched to get the fire devastated Hotspur Press building to be faithfully and fully rebuilt in its original form.
Fire ripped through the derelict building on Monday afternoon and the petitioners say that the has robbed Manchester of one of its most iconic and historic buildings, a cornerstone of the city’s skyline and industrial heritage. Hotspur Press was not just bricks and mortar — it was a living reminder of the city’s printing legacy, a symbol of Manchester’s character and soul.
What we don’t need is another anonymous block of luxury flats that serve investors over residents. We are tired of seeing our history erased for profit. We demand that what is rebuilt reflects the identity, memory, and voice of the people who actually live here.
The building had been subject to a controversial development which would have seen the site used to build a 35-storey tower for student accomodation
Yesterday the fire service announced that part of the building would have to be demolished as they continued to damp down the flames
The petition continues
But this isn’t just about Hotspur Press. Across Manchester, too many historic buildings are being left to rot, quietly erased, or sacrificed to make way for yet another high-rise investment block. What happened here is part of a wider pattern — where heritage is treated as an obstacle to profit, and community voices are ignored in the rush to build upwards and sell outwards.
We need a city-wide commitment to protect Manchester’s architectural heritage before more of it is lost forever. Buildings like Hotspur Press carry the stories of the people who built this city — and they deserve more than neglect, fire, or demolition. Let this be the turning point. Rebuild Hotspur Press, and set a precedent for putting people, history, and place before profit.
