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New 37-storey student tower at historic Hotspur Press site.

Historic Hotspur Press Site In Manchester To Feature New 37-Storey Student Tower

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Manchester City Council has unanimously approved plans for a new 37-storey student residential tower on the historic Hotspur Press site. The development, designed by Hodder + Partners for developer Manner, will incorporate the restoration of original elements of the burned-out building while adding a significant new structure.

Key Takeaways

  • A 37-storey student tower has been approved for the historic Hotspur Press site in Manchester.
  • The development includes restoring original features of the fire-damaged building.
  • Concerns were raised by conservation groups regarding the extent of historic preservation.
  • The project will deliver approximately 700 student beds and a new public square.

New Landmark Approved

Morgan Sindall has received planning approval from Manchester City Council for a 37-storey student residential tower on the site of the historic Hotspur Press. The unanimous decision by the council’s planning committee allows for the redevelopment of the fire-damaged building, which will see original elements restored alongside the construction of a new bronze-coloured tower. The scheme, designed by Hodder + Partners, aims to regenerate the site, which has been a challenging development prospect for years.

Balancing Heritage And Modern Development

The project faced scrutiny from conservation groups, including the Victorian Society, who expressed disappointment, citing concerns about the unknown extent of surviving historic elements within the mill. Despite these reservations, councillors acknowledged the limited options available following the fire and praised the efforts to retain parts of the original structure. The updated plans include the restoration of the Hotspur Press elevations facing the River Medlock, railway arches, and Cambridge Street, as well as the recreation of iconic signage lost in the fire. The new tower will feature a bronze-coloured façade, a departure from the original brick design which drew some criticism.

Community Benefits And Future Plans

Beyond the student accommodation, the development includes a 929m2 public square and improved pedestrian routes, aiming to enhance the urban landscape. While the majority of remaining structures on the site will be demolished, Manner has indicated an intention to reuse some materials in the new construction. The developer also highlighted that the introduction of affordable student rooms was not a policy requirement and could threaten the scheme’s viability. Construction is anticipated to commence by the end of the year, with completion expected for the 2028 academic year. The project is estimated to cost around £80 million, with procurement for the main works contract set to begin soon.

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Passivhaus student housing building with timber and glass facade.

Allies and Morrison Unveils Cambridge’s Largest Passivhaus Student Housing

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Allies and Morrison has completed a significant new development of student housing at Hinsley Lane in Cambridge, marking the city’s largest Passivhaus-certified student accommodation project to date. Commissioned by St John’s College for use by multiple Cambridge colleges, the scheme provides 245 rooms across 39 townhouses, designed with a strong emphasis on environmental performance and student wellbeing.

Key Takeaways

  • The development comprises 39 townhouses arranged in eight terraces, accommodating 245 students.
  • It is the largest Passivhaus student housing scheme completed in Cambridge.
  • The design prioritises sustainability through orientation, solar gain, shading, heat pumps, PVs, and an all-timber structure.
  • The project integrates with the existing landscape, preserving mature trees and enhancing biodiversity.
  • The townhouse typology offers a popular house-share model with generous communal living spaces.

Sustainable Design and Environmental Performance

The Hinsley Lane development is designed to achieve exceptional environmental performance, aligning with Passivhaus Classic certification. The buildings are oriented north-south to maximise solar gain in winter, while integrated shading from bay windows and openwork screens mitigates overheating in summer. Heating, cooling, and power are supplemented by heat pumps and photovoltaic (PV) panels. A key feature contributing to low embodied carbon is the all-timber structure. The development also incorporates sustainable drainage swales, a revitalised orchard, and enhanced landscape features, demonstrating a commitment to preserving and improving the local habitat.

Contextual Integration and Typology

Located on the edge of the West Cambridge conservation area, the townhouses range from two-and-a-half to three storeys, carefully scaled to complement their surroundings. The design eschews the conventional corridor model in favour of a townhouse typology, a choice driven by the popularity of house-sharing among students. Each house offers private study bedrooms alongside bright, shared living areas and opens onto a private terrace that steps down to a communal garden. A new pedestrian and cyclist- prioritised lane runs through the site, connecting Wilberforce Road to Herschel Road and integrating the terraces perpendicularly.

Architect and Client Perspectives

Max Kettenacker, director at Allies and Morrison, highlighted that sustainability was a core driver from the project’s inception, influencing every design decision. He noted the success in proving the technical and financial viability of Passivhaus, which was not initially part of the brief. Suzie Wood, head of investment property at St John’s College, praised the Allies and Morrison team for creating a neighbourhood that feels organically embedded within West Cambridge, emphasising the high quality, longevity, and student wellbeing aspects of the completed accommodation.

Project Details

The project, commissioned by St John’s College, Cambridge, commenced on site in August 2022 and was completed in June 2025. The development spans a gross internal floor area of 8,450m². The architect was Allies and Morrison, with Cocksedge serving as the main contractor. The scheme achieved Passivhaus Classic certification, with an average airtightness of 0.15 m³/h.m² at 50Pa. Predicted operational energy use is 48.1 kWh/m²/yr, with measured figures at 53.3 kWh/m²/yr.

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Grimsby warehouses transformed into a colourful youth zone.

Historic Grimsby Warehouses Transformed into Vibrant Youth Zone

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Grimsby’s historic West Haven Maltings and Migar House buildings, dating back to the 1820s, have been meticulously converted into the Horizon Youth Zone by John Puttick Associates. This ambitious project breathes new life into the derelict riverside structures, creating a state-of-the-art facility for young people in North East Lincolnshire.

Key Takeaways

  • The project revitalises Grade II-listed Victorian warehouses, blending heritage conservation with modern youth facilities.
  • Horizon Youth Zone offers a wide array of activities, from sports and performance to creative arts and educational spaces.
  • The development is a significant part of Grimsby’s regeneration strategy, providing a safe and inspiring environment for over 200 young people daily.

A Fusion Of Heritage And Modernity

The Horizon Youth Zone is a testament to adaptive reuse, transforming former maltings and warehouses that once produced ‘Sandars’ malt into a dynamic hub for young people. The project, delivered in partnership with OnSide, North East Lincolnshire Council, and local stakeholders, retains and restores key architectural features of the original buildings, including exposed brickwork and timber trusses. New additions, such as a charcoal-grey zinc-clad sports hall with a saw-tooth roof and a full-height climbing wall, are seamlessly integrated into the L-shaped campus.

State-Of-The-Art Facilities For Young People

The revitalised warehouses now house a generous central gathering space, a café, recreation facilities, a performance area, and a teaching kitchen. The new single-storey extension includes a 1,120m² sports hall and an outdoor area featuring a football pitch and skatepark. Specialist facilities cater to diverse needs, including an inclusion room for those with complex sensory requirements and a hygiene suite for severely disabled young people. The design prioritises creating an engaging and welcoming atmosphere, moving away from traditional youth club models towards stylish, modern spaces that encourage self-directed activity.

Community And Regeneration Impact

Horizon Youth Zone is the 16th centre established by the national youth charity OnSide, which aims to provide young people with “somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.” The project is a cornerstone of Grimsby’s wider regeneration efforts, repurposing a derelict site into a vibrant community asset. The initiative not only celebrates Grimsby’s industrial heritage but also provides essential 21st-century facilities, fostering skills development, creativity, and social interaction for the region’s youth. The project has also focused on sustainability, achieving a significant improvement in energy efficiency through structural retention, material reuse, and the integration of PVs and enhanced insulation.

Architectural Vision

John Puttick Associates has successfully balanced heritage conservation with the creation of modern, functional spaces. The design celebrates the ‘raw’ structural materials of the original buildings, with exposed brickwork and timber elements complemented by bold contemporary interventions. A key feature is the triple-height atrium, accessed via a pedestrian bridge over the River Freshney, which serves as the building’s social heart. The architectural approach aims to create a sense of ownership and connection for young people, making the facility a truly vibrant destination.

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Eco-friendly homes with green spaces and solar panels.

New Eco-Friendly Housing Development Proposed for Hemel Hempstead

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A planning application has been submitted for a new 75-home neighbourhood in Hemel Hempstead’s Leverstock Green suburb. Spearheaded by cohousing developer TOWN and The Crown Estate, the project aims to set a new standard for low-carbon, community-focused housing, making homes more affordable through reduced living costs and flexible choices.

Key Takeaways

  • 75 new homes proposed in Hemel Hempstead.
  • Focus on low-carbon, community-centric design.
  • Aims to improve housing affordability.
  • Involves extensive community co-design workshops.

Innovative Suburban Development

The proposed two-hectare development off Westwick Row is designed as a ‘showcase’ of suburban living. It will feature a mix of housing types and tenures, including novel rental options and co-housing. The homes will be arranged around shared gardens, play areas, green routes, and a central public square, fostering neighbourly interaction and a strong sense of community.

Community-Centric Design

A ‘common house’ will be central to the co-housing community, offering shared facilities such as a kitchen, dining room, living room, and guest bedrooms. Additionally, a small community hub will serve as a social space for residents and the wider neighbourhood, encouraging resource sharing and mutual support.

Collaborative Planning Process

Architectural firms Archio, Mole, and Periscope have designed the scheme, which has been shaped through over 30 hours of co-design workshops with local residents, renters, and future residents. This participatory approach has influenced the masterplan, street layouts, and shared building designs, ensuring the project aligns with community needs and the surrounding environment.

Environmental Commitment

The masterplan prioritises ambitious environmental targets to reduce energy consumption and lower residents’ bills. Landscape proposals include retaining and enhancing existing hedgerows, planting over 125 new trees, and creating communal gardens, play areas, and food-growing spaces. The development is part of The Crown Estate’s wider ‘housing transformation’ project, aiming to deliver 190 homes across three UK sites.

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Architects celebrate successful homelessness appeal donation.

Architects’ Journal’s Homelessness Appeal Surpasses Expectations, Raising Nearly £13,000

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The Architects’ Journal (AJ) has successfully concluded its impactful homelessness charity appeal, raising an impressive £12,844.50. The initiative, launched in conjunction with the December issue’s focus on homelessness, saw significant contributions from architectural practices, individual readers, and the AJ’s parent company, Emap, all supporting the vital work of Shelter.

Key Takeaways

  • The AJ’s homelessness charity appeal raised a total of £12,844.50.
  • Contributions came from architectural practices, individual donors, and Emap.
  • The appeal aimed to support Shelter’s efforts in combating homelessness.

Generous Contributions Fuel Success

The appeal, which had an initial target of £15,000, received a substantial boost from guests at the AJ Architecture Awards, who collectively raised £8,500. Following the event, individual readers and numerous architectural firms, including David Chipperfield Architects, shedkm, BPTW, nimtim, NVB Studio, Silk Architecture, and Paul Henry Architects, continued to donate generously. These contributions ranged from £25 to £1,000, demonstrating a widespread commitment to the cause.

AJ editor Emily Booth expressed her gratitude, stating, “Our huge thanks go out to all the practices and architects who have so generously donated to our Shelter charity appeal. It’s such a worthwhile cause and every donation, large or small, will make a difference.” The appeal was extended throughout January to encourage further donations.

Shelter’s Vital Work

Mairi MacRae, director of policy and campaigns at Shelter, conveyed deep appreciation for the support. “We are incredibly grateful to Architects’ Journal and their generous readers for supporting Shelter,” she said. “Thousands of people across England risk sleeping rough tonight, while over 350,000 people are spending the winter homeless in unstable and damaging temporary accommodation. No one should face homelessness alone.”

Shelter’s frontline services offer crucial advice and support, alongside campaigning for systemic change to end homelessness. The funds raised will directly contribute to these essential operations. For every £1 donated to Shelter, 71p is allocated to direct assistance, advice, and campaigning, with 29p used for fundraising efforts.

Broader Context of Homelessness

Recent analysis indicates that the UK faces a significant homelessness crisis, with one in every 200 households experiencing it. While rough sleeping is a visible aspect, the predominant form of homelessness in Britain involves individuals living in temporary accommodation, often due to the inability to afford housing. The AJ has consistently highlighted housing issues, including a previous collaboration on the ‘Good Homes for All’ publication showcasing affordable housing schemes and discussions on the surge in rough sleeping.

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