Plans have been submitted for Capital & Centric's Stockport Weir Mill project, with the developer having unveiled exciting new images of how the scheme is set to look.
The £60m project in Stockport town centre will be for 253 apartments across the existing Weir Mill, and two new design-led buildings alongside 24,000 sq ft of commercial space.
It's hoped to become a new leisure and culture destination for the area, and follows a two-stage public consultation, which the developer said saw "overwhelming support" for the plans.
The plans will provide a new riverside location, with spaces for independent businesses such as shops, cafe-bars or delis, including a new public space looking out across the River Mersey with views of the town’s viaduct.
Weavers Square will become the heart of the scheme - with the old cast iron columns of Weavers Shed retained for street markets, DJ sets, live music events and pop ups.
With exposed brick, vaulted arches and cast iron columns, the West Shed is hoped to become a relaxed and flexible co-working and hang out space.
Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital & Centric, said: “This is the future of our town centres. Dynamic and progressive towns like Stockport will be full of residents. We’re creating a mini-city eco system of café bars, delis, coworking spaces, gyms and everything else in between.
“We were made up by how many people took part in the consultation and following the feedback, and the impact of the pandemic, we’re proposing even more outdoor space with balconies on some of the apartments and a roof terrace for residents, in addition to the public open spaces.
“Providing a new access to the Mersey this will be a place for riverside chilling in the evening sun or some fine dining in the restored wheel house overlooking the water.
"The West Shed will be a new chilled space to take your laptop, grab a coffee and while away the day or even use it as a first class lounge for Stockport train station nearby.
"We think it’ll set the standard for town centre communities and take on the cities when it comes to where people choose to live.”
The plans are part of the £1bn town centre regeneration plans being delivered by Stockport’s Mayoral Development Corporation, and will regenerate the existing mills that have fallen into disrepair.
A decision on the application is expected from Stockport Council in spring. If approved, the developer said construction will take around two years.
Stockport Council leader, Councillor Elise Wilson said: “The Weir Mill site is a key part of our Town Centre West regeneration plans and ambition to create the newest, coolest, and greenest urban neighbourhood in Greater Manchester.
"It’s fantastic to start the year with Weir Mill reaching this key milestone as we look towards driving the post-pandemic recovery of our town.”
