Rebuild Hotspur Press to its Original Form

We call on Manchester City Council and all relevant developers to commit to rebuilding the Hotspur Press — faithfully and fully — in its original form.

The recent fire 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.

This petition stands for:

• The authentic restoration of Hotspur Press, not demolition by stealth.
• Heritage over high-rises — preserving what makes Manchester unique.
• Community-led development, not another bland tower.

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.

Manchester is not a blank canvas for developers. Rebuild Hotspur. Respect our city.