Stockport

‘Exciting’ project to transform Stockport town centre over next five years is signed off

"The MDC is going to provide massive regeneration opportunities, but allow us to reshape the town centre in line with our identity and our community values."

The Manc The Manc - 29th June 2021

Plans to transform the face of Stockport town centre over the next five years have officially been signed off by local authorities.

The medium-term plan is aiming to deliver 1,000 new homes by 2023, with at least 250 being built every year until 2026.

Projects also include the redevelopment of Stockport Train Station and progressing the business case for bringing the Metrolink to the town centre.

Regeneration of ‘Town Centre West’ has already delivered the Stockport Exchange office development, as well as transforming the old sorting office into a 117-apartment scheme dubbed The Mailbox. It has been hailed as “the newest, coolest, greenest” urban village in the region by Stockport Council leader Elise Wilson.

Now, Mayor Andy Burnham and leaders from across Greater Manchester have given the go-ahead for the business plan up to 2026.

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The projects were approved at the latest meeting of the region’s combined authority.

Plans to transform Stockport town centre have been signed off by local leaders / Credit: Stockport MDC
The Stockport MDC is aiming to deliver 1,000 new homes by 2023 / Credit: Stockport MDC

Planning permission has been granted for the Royal George Village and St Thomas’ Gardens schemes, which are set to bring more than 500 homes to the town centre.

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The redevelopment of Weir Mill and a new transport interchange are also in the pipeline.

“This is obviously a new way of approaching town centre regeneration,” Mayor Andy Burnham said.

“Supporting Stockport council, Greater Manchester is bringing what it can to the table, so we do this as a joint endeavour and maximise the support available – but also work to an ambitious masterplan that can deliver a real lasting change for the town.”

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“The MDC is going to provide massive regeneration opportunities, but allow us to reshape the town centre in line with our identity and our community values,” Cllr Elise Wilson added.

“It will utilise those iconic brownfield sites, which in many cases have just sat falling into disrepair, and bring them back into life – and by doing so help protect our green belt and green spaces.

“It will support the revival of our high street and create jobs and growth, because we do see the effect that is having beyond the MDC itself.”

“The MDC is going to provide massive regeneration opportunities” / Credit: Stockport MDC

She added: “Because the benefits of the MDC will absolutely level-up Stockport and ensure we can see that positive, inclusive growth and new communities – the newest, coolest, greenest neighbourhoods.”

Leaders agreed to approve the MDC business plan for May 2021 to March 2026, as well as the action plan between now and March 2022.

Featured Image – Stockport Council / Stockport MDC

Stockport

Tributes pour in for chairman of Manchester City’s ‘Cheadle Blues’ supporters club, Tommy Muir

Danny Jones Danny Jones Tommy Muir dead tributes

Tributes are pouring in following the death of Tommy Muir, the long-standing chairman of Manchester City’s ‘Cheadle Blues’ supporters club, at the age of 71.

News of Muir’s death broke on Thursday, 21 November, with countless Man City fans learning of his tragic passing online and proceeding to pay their respects.

The Cheadle Branch boss, lifelong supporter and well-known club figure is said to have died following a period of illness, with a member of the popular Bluemoon Forum claiming he suffered from the progressive disease pulmonary fibrosis for some time.

Numerous messages of sadness, love and support have been shared on social media already.

By all accounts, Muir will be remembered as a much-loved leader of City’s Cheadle Branch, as well as a generous character with a great sense of humour.

There are countless messages from people who know him from the local area or through helping sort spare tickets for matchdays and as the familiar face around Maine Road back in the day and on the bus to the Etihad Stadium for many years.

Tommy was also one of the official supporters group members who were treated to a visit by Man City themselves, naming him honorary Life Vice President of the Official Supporters Club and bringing the Treble trophies to his doorstep back in July 2023.

He also famously face-timed with Kevin de Bruyne back in 2018, during which he said, “I want to watch this City team for 100 years.”

Muir, an ex-Royal Mail worker, also served as the landlord of The Kenilworth pub back in Cheadle, Stockport, where fans would regularly meet pre-match before heading to watch the game.

Local author and historian of Manchester sport, Gary James, wrote on Facebook: “I’ve just seen this news… Sad to hear the news that Tommy Muir has died. A wonderful person who first helped me with my research decades ago. A dedicated MCFC fan. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Speaking to The Manc, General Secretary of City’s Official Supporters Club, Kevin Parker told us: Tommy was a blue through and through and 100% committed to The Supporters Club at Cheadle and its members.

“I have known Tommy for over 30 years and no one deserved the recent success the club has had more than him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and fondly remembered. He will still be watching our wonderful club from the Blue Stands in the Sky telling anyone who disrespects his Club to ‘do one'”

Known to so many throughout the fan base, even supporters who never met him personally have been sharing their condolences on various platforms. Those who knew him well have nothing but heartwarming memories to share.

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Fan forums like Bluemoon have been awash with people mourning Muir’s passing. One person told the story of meeting him at the age of 17 and following him when moved to The George and Dragon pub – another popular City haunt before games.

Another wrote: “I got to know Tommy when I joined the Cheadle Supporters branch. Tommy loved being branch secretary. He was absolutely dedicated to his position as branch secretary […] The branch meetings were serious affairs, getting through what had to be discussed, but in between was humour and laughter brought about by Tommy.

“Tommy had a huge sense of humour, and his one-liners were famous amongst the branch members, which would have everyone laughing throughout the meetings. The coach trips to the away games were never dull. They were always full of cheer, drinking, laughter, and City songs.”

“Keep on watching your beloved City from above. Rest in peace, Tommy.”

Losses like this within a fan base are always tough to take. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, the Cheadle Branch and all the Blues whose lives he touched. RIP Tommy Muir.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images – Bluemoon Forum/X

Stockport

Plans to turn Stockport pyramid into Indian restaurant take MAJOR step forward

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Royal Nawaab will turn Stockport pyramid into a curry house. Credit: Supplied

The vision for Stockport pyramid’s new life as an Indian restaurant and banquet hall has taken a big step forward today – and we finally have CGIs to help bring it all to life.

Royal Nawaab has now been granted planning permission to convert the landmark building into a luxurious restaurant and banquet hall, set to open early next year.

Royal Nawaab has a couple of restaurants in London and is now setting its sights on the north, aiming to create its ‘biggest and most luxurious destination to date’.

The epic project will be geared up to host parties, banquets and huge events.

There are lavish refurbishment plans for the former office building, which looms over the M60.

When it opens, there’ll be a 350-capacity restaurant on the ground floor, plus three premium banquet facilities ranging between 150 and 700 covers.

News of Royal Nawaab’s takeover of the Stockport Pyramid broke last year and the curry house was initially tipped for a 2024 opening, but it seemed like things had stalled until this major step forward.

CGIs shared today show that the Stockport Pyramid will be transformed with luxury details like gold ceilings, marble floors and chandeliers.

Royal Nawaab will turn Stockport pyramid into a curry house. Credit: Supplied
Royal Nawaab will turn Stockport pyramid into an Indian restaurant and banquet hall. Credit: Supplied

Mahboob Hussain of Royal Nawaab said: “Living close to Stockport, the Pyramid has always been an iconic symbol of the town for me. It is unique and we are thrilled to be bringing Royal Nawaab Manchester.

“This is definitely not ‘a curry house’. Royal Nawaab will be a destination and will attract visitors from across the UK and beyond to experience the best cuisine in the most stunning of settings.

“The attention to detail is incredible, and I personally have been involved in the plans throughout. It is a dream come true, and I know that anyone that visits will be in awe.”

Cllr Colin Macalister, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “We’re thrilled to see the iconic Stockport Pyramid brought back to life with the fantastic Royal Nawaab joining our community! It’s an exciting addition to Stockport’s vibrant food and drink scene, all within one of our town’s most prominent landmarks.

A glimpse inside Royal Nawaab Indian restaurant at Stockport pyramid. Credit: Supplied
A glimpse inside Royal Nawaab Indian restaurant at Stockport pyramid. Credit: Supplied
Royal Nawaab will totally transform the landmark building into a luxury restaurant and banquet hall. Credit: Supplied
Royal Nawaab will totally transform the landmark building into a luxury restaurant and banquet hall. Credit: Supplied

“Bringing 150 new jobs and working with local suppliers, Royal Nawaab’s arrival is a strong vote of confidence in Stockport’s future as our £1 billion town centre regeneration continues to take shape. We can’t wait to see the Pyramid open its doors again and warmly welcome Royal Nawaab to Stockport.”

Fozia Alharby of Eamar Developments expressed, “Dr. Abdullah Alnaeem, the owner, is delighted to announce that Royal Nawaab will open at the Pyramid in 2025.

“As long-time admirers of the brand and its legacy in the South, we are honoured to play a role in bringing this exceptional destination to Stockport.

“We are delighted to be a part of this project, which will create a premium experience that we believe will resonate with visitors from across the UK and beyond.”

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Featured image: Supplied

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